Day in the life: Haunted house staff

'Tis the season to be scary - and be scared. And what better way to celebrate Halloween than by going to the haunted houses?

Sara Hendrix has been working in haunted houses for 16 years. Her relative owns The Beast, The Edge of Hell, The Chambers of Edgar Allen Poe and Macabre Cinema.

This season, she manages the concession stand and gift shop at The Beast. Last season, she played Igor (from Frankenstein) at Macabre Cinema.

"I don't like haunted houses," Hendrix said with a laugh. "I've done both sides, but I like this side better."

She often lost her voice while working in the actual house.

"There's a lot of screaming involved," Hendrix said.

Her favorite part of her current position is getting to see people's reactions once they come out of the house.

"It's kind of funny to see the people there in my shoes that also don't like to get scared, but they still do it," Hendrix said. "It's not so funny when they come out crying."

Hendrix does her best to comfort those who had a bad experience, and reassure them the houses aren't real.

The haunted houses opened the first weekend of September and won't close until Nov. 1. But preparations for the grand opening start as early as August.

The houses are old and it is difficult to keep up with repairs and cleaning.

"There's a lot of uneven floors and it's dark in there so there's a lot of people who will trip or fall," Hendrix said.

But there's a disclaimer on each ticket stating that by entering, you are aware you may get hurt and the house will not be held responsible.

Those who have asthma or epilepsy are discouraged from going because it puts them and others at danger if they have an attack, Hendrix said.

However, one off-duty Kansas City Police officer and one paramedic are present at all times if something does happen.

Also, the houses are only three miles away from the Fire Department (where the ambulance comes from).

Though you're not supposed to touch the actors - they can't touch you, either - at least two actors have had their noses broken by customers this season.

"Their first reaction is to fight back," Hendrix said. "You should expect to get scared - you can't have your guard up and be defensive. I understand their reaction. However … the haunted houses are not for you then."

Although she doesn't like the "scary" part of haunted houses, she decided to work there because of her family.

"It's just one of those things where everybody does it," Hendrix said.

Some people really love it - so much so, they work for free. The Chambers of Edgar Allen Poe and Macabre Cinema are both operated by volunteers, and profits from the two go to The Dream Network and Children's Variety charities.

Many of the actors have worked there as long as Hendrix - but that doesn't ease her fear.

"I know these people in costume and out of costume," Hendrix said. "But if you put me in a dark room with one of those people, I'd probably pee my pants!"

And people actually do. There is a slide at the end of The Beast that is covered with baby powder for that reason.

You get all of this for $20 (one house) or $33 (combo pack). Most people think the price is worth it. Hendrix believes this is because movies are only a little less expensive.

"I kind of consider it a live action scary movie," Hendrix said.

If you see Hendrix at the concession stand, she will give you a discount on a t-shirt (originally $16; your price $12).

mcowan@unews.com