What is a startle scare?

A startle scare is exactly what it sounds like, a startle. You set up, what for your customers to get in exactly the right spot, you pop out, startle them, and reset for the next group. It's as easy as that.

If you are a startle scare, there is no need for a lot of intensive make-up. The customers are barely going to see you, so no need for a four hour make-up job.

One other caution, if you get caught out with the next group all ready piling in, don't look at it as a wasted scare, do what you can to at least get a few of them. When I was a startle, I got caught out a few times, but I would cling to the wall, be as motionless as possible, and then nail the few that did not catch me out.