UO Close Up: Team Member Billy Mick Terrifies Guests For 25 Years

By Bella Collado. Posted October 25, 2015 at 09:00AM on “UO Close Up,” the official Universal Orlando blog:

25 years ago today, Universal Studios Florida launched an ambitious three-night event called “Fright Nights”. Since then, thousands of “scareactors” (a term coined that year) have brought the mayhem of what has become Halloween Horror Nights to life.

But one person, in particular, has seen it all: from throughout the streets to behind the show.

Universal Orlando Resort team member William “Billy” Mick has been a part of the event since it started. He was a scareactor during the very year and for many thereafter. He’s now a stage manager, and I had the chance to chat with him recently about all he’s seen over the years.

Q: How did you first get started as a scareactor?
A: I was actually working in games at Universal Studios at the time, in early ’91 right before Fright Nights started. I had majored in Musical Theatre in Jacksonville and loved to perform. I applied on a Friday, got hired on Saturday, then moved on Sunday!

Q: What was the audition process like then versus now?
A: Everything was very different then! Now we really focus on your personality, but back then it was all about fitting the costume. Our first year, it only ran for three nights and I worked in Dungeon of Terror which was in the Jaws cue line. We had three trailers set up behind what is now Fear Factor. Everyone would line up, get their make-up. and then walk off to your venue.

Q: What’s it like seeing Halloween Horror Nights evolve to what it is now?
A: The first year, there were only three haunted houses and the scareactors would just walk out on the streets; it wasn’t zoned the way it is now. The icon back then was the Crypt Keeper from Tales from the Crypt. This year, when we were conceptualizing the Hollywood street zone, I said please please please bring the Crypt Keeper back, and the fans have been really excited to see it again. I have been to all of the Halloween Horror Nights and it’s very neat to see how it’s evolved.

Q: Do you have any favorite characters that you’ve played?
A: I’ve had fun years playing a scareactor. I’ve worked with several people who have gotten a lot of acting roles in park aside from being a scareactor. There was one year where I was hanging from a meat hook, getting my leg cut off with a chain saw—it was very fun.

Then in 2004, I picked up shifts in Castle Vampyr and I was a vampire, which was my favorite! It was great. I was in the blood bath night club room and I got to wear leather pants and just dance all night, it was very fun.

Q: What advice do you give scareactors now?
A: I always tell everyone: no matter what you’re auditioning for, show your personality. It is about you coming in, being genuine, being real and just make them want to work with you.

Q: Seeing how you moved up with the company, did you see yourself where you are now?
A: Not at all! When I got the call to become a stage manager, I was questioning it and asking them if I should just be an assistant stage manager instead. Turns out I was ready for it! I have been in the business for so long, and I’ve been able to work all aspects. It’s all been up from the beginning and it’s been great!

Q:What are your favorite parts about this year’s event?
A: I love the 25^th Anniversary house, but my favorite thing in the entire event is the Bride of Frankenstein over in San Francisco! It is the most gorgeous costume and she is embodying the Bride of Frankenstein so well. She is just getting a lot of scares!

It is really a wonderful year, we have more scenic in Central Park than we have ever done and guests love that. I love the kill moments that are happening in Hollywood. It’s just been very exciting to bring things back from past events and have them all together now. We made sure while we were conceptualizing this event that we would make things memorable!

With only one week left of Halloween Horror Nights 25, make sure you have chance to experience what this event has become.

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