WHAT IS ZOMBIE FARMS, LLC?
ZF is a haunted trail that winds through a 3/4 mile of natural woods on a 33 acre farm in Winterville GA. The trail takes about 30-40 minutes to walk safely in the dark. We will be open to the public Friday and Saturday nights in late September and October. We opened for the first time in 2012.
WHO IS RUNNING THE EVENT?
Zombie Farms LLC is operated by Patrick and Cynthia MacDonald, who own the farm. However, we will have cast supervisors for our different teams, so you will always have a point of contact for your questions and issues.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS NOTICE
If you have any underlying conditions like asthma, heart conditions, etc. Or if you do not feel you are physically fit, we ask consider your health and make sure you feel physically fit enough to work the full season. We do not want to risk your health. If you have a condition like asthma or severe allergies, please tell us in the bio information below.
WHAT WILL BE REQUIRED OF THE CAST AND CREW?
This event will be handled much like a play production. We will have many paid positions for people that will be working all open nights in key areas. We need human/speaking actors, monsters, other supernatural type actors, a few zombies, guides and watchers along the trail, greeters, security, parking attendants, front end customer service, and makeup/costume helpers.
IS MY CAST POSITION A PAID ROLE?
If we offer you a position, yes, it is a paid spot and we will tell you the rate of pay based on the role you are given. We are looing for people who can work all nights we are open since it's only 8 nights, but if you have a previous commitment for 1 or 2 nights, let us know and we'll see if we can work around it. Some folks ask to volunteer 1 or 2 nights, but that is usually not something we can work out since each role requires training, costumes, etc. So we need folks who can work the majority of the season.
WHAT TIME COMMITMENT IS EXPECTED?
We will be open every dates listed below. In addition we will have a rehearsal night that is required for all cast members. You will be asked to arrive around 6:30 (or before) on any night we are open.
--- Rehearsal Nights: Sept 22-23 (everyone must attend one, date determined by your scene). We will try on costumes, and practice in your scene.
--- Open Nights: Sept 30, Oct 7, Oct 13-14, Oct 20-21, Oct 27-28
--- Optional Special Event Nights: Oct 15, 22, 29 - not required but can be worked
IF I'M IN A PAID POSITION, HOW DOES THE PAY GET CALCULATED?
We will pay based on the operation hours of the event, starting when we open that night (either 7:30 or 8pm). You will not receive payment for any practice or costume/makeup time. If we close early or cannot open due to inclement weather, you will be paid for the time we were open that night, if applicable. Payment is only based on the times we are entertaining our customers for the nights you are present. We ask that everyone be willing to work all nights, but if you have a prior commitment, let Cynthia know ahead of time and we will see if we can work something out. Any exceptions must be approved prior to the season.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE THE MONEY I EARN?
If you are in a paid position, checks will be available for pickup on November 9th, if you have worked all nights as agreed. Please make sure we have your correct name and mailing address (you will fill that in below). Any not picked up on Nov 9th will be mailed on Nov 10th.
CAN I BRING A FRIEND/FAMILY MEMBER TO HELP ME ON THE NIGHT(S) I WORK?
No. We can only have cast members who have gone through the steps like you have to fill out a questionnaire, audition, practice, and earned an assigned role.
WILL ZF PROVIDE MY COSTUME?
We will have most costumes, but in some cases we need you to provide part of your costume. We will discuss this with you individually, depending on the role you are given. Work boots of some sort would be best since you will be walking in woods. No white tennis shoes are allowed. If you do not have these items, I would suggest checking the local thrift stores.
WILL ZF PROVIDE MY MAKEUP?
For most actors, we will provide a Halloween mask to match your character, so please be ready to wear a mask each night. A few characters may need makeup, and we will have a makeup team on staff to apply their makeup. If you are someone who needs minimal makeup or uses a makeup, you may not need to be early for makeup time. We will discuss this with you individually.
Many roles require a Halloween mask to be worn, so please be prepared to wear one if your position requires one. If a mask is required, ZF will provide it for you.
I'VE NEVER WORKED AT A HAUNTED ATTRACTION. WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Experience is NOT required, but enthusiasm and commitment are very important!
Most actors will NOT be zombies. We have a lot of character roles to fill.
For those who are zombies, our zombies will be the “old school” George Romero zombies (slow and newly dead). If you haven’t watched Night of the Living Dead, that’s your study guide.
For other roles like humans, monsters, and trail guides we will coach you on how to act and what to do.
WHAT ARE SOME IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW?
1. Actors should never have their phone out where a customer can see you! One zombie, ghost or monster on a cell phone call and you've ruined the experience for the customers. Leave your cellphone in your car, if possible. If you must have it with you, DO NOT use it on the trail during the event. The glow of the cell phone can be seen far away. If you are seen talking or texting on a cellphone in a position view-able by customers, YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE. If your cellphone is heard ringing in a position noticeable by customers, YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE.
2. Stay in character at all times, even going to and from the bathroom or actor camp.
3. NEVER touch or chase the customers. The trail is a natural walking trail and therefore has many inherent dangers. We want the customers walking slowly at all times.
4. September and October temperatures vary, but you should expect some cold nights. Dress in layers.
5. We recommend bringing a bottle of water, a flashlight, and small snack each night.
We are excited about your interest in Zombie Farms!