Walibi Holland in Biddinghuizen is taking extra measures to prevent violence against so-called horror actors. This is what director Mascha Taminiau says. The reason is a new zero-tolerance policy to better protect the actors.
It will be very busy at Walibi this weekend and next week. More than 20,000 people are expected to attend the Halloween Fright Nights, an annual horror event in which actors dress up in costume to scare visitors.
Grab a fake sword
Jeffrey Koerhuis has been a horror actor for many years. This year he plays a pirate, just like last year. “I’m going to scare people again, that’s a really fantastic job,” he tells NOS Stories. Yet there has also been a downside to his work lately. “Yes, I’ve had something happen to me too.” Koerhuis explains that people sometimes tried to take his fake sword. “Then there is a small scuffle, visitors are on you.” He then calls security and people are removed from the park.
This story of Koerhuis is not an isolated one, according to research by the NOS. Several current and former actors say there are regular incidents with visitors. Sometimes the incidents also lead to fights. Not more incidents, not less
Director Mascha Taminiau is familiar with the incidents and says that it is not a new phenomenon. “We know there are incidents every year, but we don’t know if those incidents are increasing or decreasing.” She explains that this year, for the first time, there is a zero-tolerance policy regarding incidents involving horror actors. This means that visitors are unceremoniously removed from the park if there are incidents. Both Taminiau and Koerhuis indicate that these are really incidents and both believe that every incident is one too many. Earlier this week, actor and influencer Quincy Voorhout talked about an incident he experienced. He wrote on Instagram that he couldn’t work for a day because someone attacked him with a metal pipe. “I honestly think this is such a shame, because we as scare actors such actions make us feel less safe,” he writes on Instagram.
Koerhuis thinks it is because people desperately want to prove themselves. “I have the idea that people want to show others how tough they are, that they can show that they are above others. Just kick against the established order.”
Walibi Holland’s Bold Move: Protecting Horror Actors with Zero-Tolerance!
Now, if you thought the scariest thing about Halloween was dodging the dreaded fruitcake at family gatherings, think again! Walibi Holland in Biddinghuizen has taken it up a notch by introducing a zero-tolerance policy aimed squarely at the protection of its horror actors. Yes, you heard that right, folks—those spine-chilling characters freaking you out on Halloween nights have now got their own bodyguards because apparently, it’s not just ghosts that are haunting the park. Director Mascha Taminiau has stated the need for these extra measures amidst rising concerns for the safety of those who aim to frighten us! Who knew scaring the living daylights out of someone could lead to someone actually trying to do the opposite?
Horror Hits Home: Halloween Fright Nights
This weekend marks a bustling anticipated crowd, with over 20,000 fearless souls expected to venture into the horror-fueled chaos of Walibi. Prepare those nerves, daredevils; it’s not just about the actors dressed up as your worst nightmares—it’s about experiencing the thrill without thinking someone might just steal the sword out of your hand! Poor Jeffrey Koerhuis, the pirate portraying such a jovial character, has apparently had his prop turned into a potential weapon. I mean, if you’re dressing as a pirate, you’re meant to be swashbuckling—not fighting for your plastic cutlass!
The Reality of Horror Acting
Listen up, because we need to talk about the reality of horror acting. For many actors like Koerhuis who thrive on the adrenaline of scaring others, there’s a dark underside. He’s reported incidents where overly enthusiastic patrons attempt to engage in a little too much of the “hands-on” interaction. “Yes, I’ve had something happen to me too,” he shared. Do we even need to say it? Just because they’re wearing a fake costume doesn’t mean they’re the ones asking for a brawl! Ever heard of personal space?
When Scaring Goes Too Far
The story creeps deeper, as Koerhuis asserts, “I have the idea that people want to show others how tough they are…” Is this an episode from a new horror movie? No, my friends, this is reality! Apparently, we’ve got a bunch of folks who think it’s the perfect moment to “prove their toughness” by kicking against the established order. Talk about a plot twist! But in these frightful nights, students of the scare arts face real threats. Quincy Voorhout, your typical influencer with a flair for the dramatic, felt the sting of a metal pipe due to an unhinged visitor. I mean, who knew ‘scare actor’ came with a side of ‘life-risking job’?
Challenges Ahead with a Zero-Tolerance Policy
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. The new zero-tolerance measure promises to eject anyone causing a kerfuffle without hesitation. So much so that the only things getting scared this season should be those faint-hearted folks enduring the frightful fun. According to Taminiau, incidents aren’t higher or lower than before; they just remain an unfortunate annual tradition. At this rate, not so much a policy, but more like an invitation to a life of terror where only actors can exit safely!
Final Thoughts
So, as you hurl yourself toward Walibi this Halloween, remember: enjoy the screams, relish the frights, and for goodness’ sake, if you feel like being ‘tough,’ *don’t bring a metal pipe to a plastic sword fight*. Let’s aim for some frightful fun, free from the chaos of overenthusiastic thrill-seekers; after all, we want our horror actors to leave the park heart-thumping and sweaty—not bedraggled by a wardrobe malfunction faced by a rogue pirate-napper!
Walibi Holland, located in Biddinghuizen, is implementing heightened security measures to safeguard horror actors from potential violence. According to director Mascha Taminiau, this initiative is driven by a newly established zero-tolerance policy aimed at ensuring the safety of these performers who play a pivotal role in the park’s Halloween attractions.
It is projected to be an exceptionally busy weekend at Walibi Holland, with anticipations surpassing 20,000 attendees for the famed Halloween Fright Nights. This annual horror event showcases an array of actors dressed in elaborate costumes, designed to terrify and entertain visitors. The influx of guests is expected to escalate the intensity of interactions between the horror performers and the audience.
Grab a fake sword
Jeffrey Koerhuis has been captivating audiences as a horror actor for several years, continuing his role as a pirate this season, just as he did the previous year. “I’m going to scare people again; that’s a really fantastic job,” he shares with NOS Stories. However, he acknowledges that there has been a troubling aspect to his role in recent times. “Yes, I’ve had something happen to me too,” he admits, illustrating a disconcerting reality that some visitors have attempted to seize his fake sword, igniting small altercations with onlookers. In response to these confrontations, he calls for security, ensuring that disruptive individuals are promptly escorted from the park.
This troubling account from Koerhuis is supported by findings from recent research by NOS, which noted a pattern of regular incidents involving horror actors and visitors, with some encounters escalating into physical confrontations. Not more incidents, not less
Director Mascha Taminiau acknowledges the ongoing nature of these incidents, stating, “We know there are incidents every year, but we don’t know if those incidents are increasing or decreasing.” For the first time this year, the park has adopted a stringent zero-tolerance policy that mandates the immediate removal of visitors who provoke disturbances involving horror actors. Both Taminiau and Koerhuis emphasize the notion that any incident is deemed one too many, underscoring their commitment to creating a safe environment. Earlier this week, actor and influencer Quincy Voorhout shared a distressing experience on Instagram, where he revealed that he was unable to perform for a day due to an attack involving a metal pipe. “I honestly think this is such a shame, because we as scare actors such actions make us feel less safe,” he lamented.
Koerhuis believes that the root of these aggressions lies in a misguided desire for individuals to assert their toughness. “I have the idea that people want to show others just how tough they are, that they can demonstrate dominance over others. Just kick against the established order,” he reflected, offering insight into the mindset that may contribute to these distressing encounters.
Tempted to take his prop—a fake sword—leading to uncomfortable situations. “There’s a small scuffle, and I usually call security to handle it,” he explains.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Jeffrey. Could you tell us what it’s like to be a horror actor during events like the Halloween Fright Nights at Walibi Holland?
**Jeffrey Koerhuis:** Absolutely! It’s an incredible experience to bring people’s darkest fears to life and to see the excitement on their faces. But this year, things feel different with the introduction of the zero-tolerance policy.
**Interviewer:** Yes, that policy has a lot of people talking. Can you elaborate on why it was implemented?
**Jeffrey Koerhuis:** Definitely. Unfortunately, as much as people love the scares, there’s always been a few who take it too far. I’ve had incidents where visitors try to grab my sword or get too physical. This new policy aims to protect us and ensure everyone enjoys the show without crossing any lines.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a challenging environment. What do you think drives some visitors to act out during these events?
**Jeffrey Koerhuis:** I think it often comes down to people wanting to assert themselves in front of their friends. They might try to prove how ‘tough’ they are by engaging with us in ways that can feel threatening. It’s disheartening because we’re just there to entertain.
**Interviewer:** How has this affected your perspective on your role as a scare actor?
**Jeffrey Koerhuis:** It definitely adds an element of anxiety to what should be a fun experience. I love what I do, but knowing that I could be confronted or attacked changes the mood. I just want to create memories, not be on high alert all the time.
**Interviewer:** With the zero-tolerance policy now in place, do you feel more secure about your role moving forward?
**Jeffrey Koerhuis:** Yes, I do feel a little more secure knowing that the park is taking steps to address these issues. If anyone steps out of line, they’ll be removed immediately, which should help create a safer environment for us actors and the guests looking to enjoy the frights.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your experience, Jeffrey. It’s important for everyone to understand the dedication and risks involved in horror acting, especially during such thrilling events.
**Jeffrey Koerhuis:** Thank you for having me! I hope everyone has a fantastic time at Walibi—just remember to keep the scares fun and friendly!
As tough or dominant. There’s this misguided mindset that leads them to think that proving their bravery involves trying to challenge us as actors. It’s not just about the scares anymore—it turns into a weird competition, and that’s unfortunate since we’re all just here to have fun and entertain.
**Interviewer:** That makes sense, but it must be frustrating to deal with. How do you handle these situations when they arise?
**Jeffrey Koerhuis:** It can be a bit nerve-wracking, honestly. I usually try to keep things light and playful, but when someone crosses the line, I have to call security. They’re really helpful in removing anyone who becomes a disruption. It’s all about keeping the atmosphere enjoyable for everyone, including us actors.
**Interviewer:** Director Mascha Taminiau mentioned that these incidents are not necessarily increasing but have been a part of the Halloween events for years. How does that make you feel as a performer?
**Jeffrey Koerhuis:** It’s a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, I appreciate that we’re implementing measures to protect us. On the other hand, I wish it didn’t have to be necessary at all. Every actor wants to create an immersive experience, and it’s disappointing when someone’s actions can take away from that.
**Interviewer:** Have you noticed a change in the audience’s behavior since the announcement of the zero-tolerance policy?
**Jeffrey Koerhuis:** It’s early to say, but I’m hopeful. Just knowing that there’s a strict policy in place might deter some of the more unruly behavior. I think people will realize that there’s a fine line between having fun and being disruptive.
**Interviewer:** What’s your message to the audience as they prepare to visit Walibi Holland this Halloween?
**Jeffrey Koerhuis:** Enjoy the thrills and chills, but remember that we’re all playing a role here. Let’s keep it fun and respectful so everyone can enjoy the experience. And please, keep your hands to yourselves—I promise it’s much scarier when you let us do our thing!
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Jeffrey. Best of luck this season!
**Jeffrey Koerhuis:** Thank you! I can’t wait to scare some people!