Boo at the Zoo, presented by Meijer, is a fun, family-friendly Halloween experience at the Louisville Zoo. Kids 11 and younger can participate in trick or treating, and everyone is encouraged to wear a costume (as long as the costume follows the guidelines listed on the website).
The Louisville Zoo is transformed with bright lights and elaborate decorations for the event. Throughout the path, different displays around the animals’ exhibits showcase a variety of movies and TV shows.
Each display is accompanied with actors playing different characters, from the Disney princesses to the Scooby Doo Mystery Gang. Visitors have the opportunity to talk to the characters and take pictures with them.. Acting at Boo at the Zoo is a great opportunity for high school students with a passion for theater
“You have to really love working with kids and the little interactions and quips they throw at you, as I do, to appreciate this job for what it is,” Corinne Gannot (12, YPAS) said. Gannot is playing the part of Alice from “Alice in Wonderland.”
In order to secure the role, Gannot participated in a two hour group-based audition that included improvisation games. Auditions for Boo at the Zoo are advertised on FaceBook and typically take place months in advance.
Actors are paid $16 to $18 an hour and work from 5 p.m. to around 10–11 p.m.
“I would honestly do it for free, I signed up before I knew it was paid,” Gannot said.
Besides acting, high school students can also volunteer at Boo at the Zoo. Volunteers do a variety of activities, including passing out candy at trick or treating stops along the path.
The event takes place on select nights from Sept. 27 to Oct. 30. Tickets cost $7.25 for zoo members and $13.75 for non-members. Visitors aged two and younger have free admission. Meijer Anytime Tickets can be purchased for $11.75 at participating Meijer locations.
