Thread: actors/volunteers trying to run things

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Warning, this will be a looong drawn out story. If you are really bored and read it and comment...great, if not I understand.

I hired this guy and he brought in several really cool and artsy type people to volunteer, that really contributed to my pro haunt. One of the people, a really nice girl, who actually did a great job painting the facede, then brought in 2 other girls. She mentioned earlier in the week that they wanted to bring in some photo type stuff to dress up this room that was a dark room with red lights, which we knew we had to use, since it was already there and looke dcreepy without doing anything. We then put some maniquins (sp?) and white faced dolls ect and my son got this really cool white faced mask that looks like a baby face and really creeps everyone out, he lays on a thing and acts like a fake doll and then jumps up and chases them and turns out the lights while laughing really wierd. I got a lot of good reviews. The kid is 14 and he always kind of got shafted the last several years in the other haunt we were involved with and was loving actually getting his own room, since this is our first year solo and we had the say so.

Anyway when the girl mentioned her friends wanting to come in,I said we would have to talk about it more. So Sat. about an hour before opening, they show up and start bringing all these props in and setting up stuff. I went in and was very nice and thankfull and said we would have to talk to my son about this. Had to go take care of something and the next thing I knew we had to open. So they went in and I follwed a group through and thought, well what they are doing looks good, but they are lessening the creep factor a little in the room.

Next thing I know, my wife is coming to me saying our son is getting upset, because he is not getting scares and they are taking away from the feel of the room. My wife is not as much into the haunt thing as me, but she enjoys it once it gets going. She did say in the beginning that she would get behind it, but wanted our 2 boys to have their own thing for once and have a good time.

So I knew I had to change things right away, about an hour into the night. So I went in and told the girls that it was not working the way we had invisioned it and I appreciate the props and what they did, so could I move them to another spot and maybe next week we could add a room just for them on. They seemed ok with it and moved and were getting some good scares. I really went out of my way to be nice and accomodate them.

Then on Sunday I get a call for the guy that brought the girl in (the one that is a volunteer and painted the facade) and he said she was not ahppy with the way it was handled and wanted to talk about it. I have not got a chance to talk to her yet, but I feel bad about it, I don't think it was handled bad.

What do you think?

Anyone ever had actors/volunteers try to take over?

I will just explain to her that we really don't need to be changing things in mid season, let alone an hour before open, especially if it is already working well. Also explaine the wife/kids situation and that I would not let someone come in and mess with her facade work and that I try to repect all workers in the haunt even more the volunteers, since they contribute a lot and work for free.

tread lightly. She sounds like she may be easily offended by things.

I'd start by praising her profusely (since she did volunteer), and then remind her of the original plans you had. Tell her everything you have told us, that you have already spoken to the other girls, and after promising them accomodations in your haunt, they seemed ok with it. If there was a problem, you'd like to address it now, and keep an open line of communication.

I'd also point out the success of your son's section of the haunt, and how changing it back helped. People really just want to feel needed when they volunteer, and some people have a inner calling to be leaders, even when they may not need to be, or worse are bad at it. lol. =)

I can tell you honestly that a LOT of people on here are natural leaders. We have our own opinions, views, ideas, suggestions, and answers. Some of us will be more forceful with our answers, but we all try very hard to get along. A true leader will spend a few minutes coming up with solutions to problems instead of causing more drama. It sounds like you have the ability to lead your volunteers successfully, but maybe just need someone to reassure you that you CAN DO IT.

I would not however criticize. It has a tendency to upset people. Try to stay as positive as you can, and everything will work out for the best. It's all you can ask really. If she's meant to be part of your group she will understand, if not, then she and you can part ways amicably.

Well said Manda.

You handled it way better than I would have. yes they are volunteers, but they were trying to take over YOUR haunt. I would have basically said if you don't like what I'm offering you, leave.

I need some volunteers for my home haunt, but don't really want to ask anyone, because I have my own vision of what the haunt should look like and it would tough if they wanted to change things up...especially at the last minute.

Amanda has the right idea on how to deal with the situation

Do or did you lay down any ground rules? To volunteer is to offer to help, once you stop helping & start causing problems you're done volunteering & are now disrupting & if they can't work things out, their gone. Sorry, I've been walked on for being nice to long. The only thing it's gotten me is a sore back & alot of projects that I wouldn't but my name to. People have forgotten their place in situations now a days.

Yeah, two years ago I was running a haunted house fund raiser for Cub Scouts, and the guys we had asked to help us with the over all project ended up not liking my vision and trying to make it their own. I tired to work with them and explain to them what we are trying for, but they ignored me and did it their way. They went very gory and all us parents felt that was not the right thing for a Cub Scout haunt. I'm not a big fan of gore myself since I see it as being more gross than scary anyway and I took it all down on them. So our run through night, we had these guys threatening to take all their props and and materials away from us, which was about half the haunt. They got to throw their tantrum, but all the adults in the pack sided with me and my vision won out. Although there was one room that I didn't like because it made no sense and did not fit in at all with the castle theme we had, but it was a 'black light' room and it was a parent in the pack who wanted it there. Still, it worked in the end and we made a good deal on money doing it.

So then last year it was all me, because all of what those guys did I already was able to do or I learned it from them the first time. So last there was none of that stress to deal. This year we have some membership issues, so we skipping the haunt right now. I we can get recruitment up I will push for doing it next year.

volenteers have 2 rules to follow.


rule one. the boss (thats you) is always right
rule two. when the boss is wrong, see rule number one.

I think this is a risk you run when dealing with any sort of theatrical production. Speaking as a former (waaaay former) thespian, I know the personality type very well; if they aren't creating drama on stage they'll make up for it everywhere else. Sounds like you have to choose - make these volunteers happy or make your family happy...

Kind of late but you could have made two rooms, even if they were similar. Then everyone would have been happy (unless you had to push someone else out of that other room).