Over 200 People Participated in the First Audition Today
(Hong Kong – 11 July 2008) Hollers and Screams abound as Ocean Park held its first auditions for its 8th Ocean Park Halloween Bash today! Held every fall from late September until early November, Ocean Park Halloween Bash is the scariest and most exciting event in Hong Kong during the Halloween season that never fails to leave visitors gasping for more! Wanting to take part in such scary delights, over 200 candidates auditioned for roles on the very first day. This year, Ocean Park will organize seven days of walk-in auditions for over 400 roles. These roles include performers/actors, dancers, stunt performers, gymnasts, backstage crews, and even extreme sports specialists (Parkour, BMX or skateboarders.)
Ocean Park’s Events & Entertainment Director, Todd Hougland, said, “This is the fourth year that we’ve had open auditions to cast for characters and performers for Ocean Park Halloween Bash . We are setting a new record for the number of ghouls and goblins to be summoned – over 400 in all. This is an increase of 28 percent compared with the 350 we had last year.”
He added, “We’ve noticed that the candidates’ performances are displaying greater showmanship. They were able to show off their creativity and energy; most importantly, it was their passion for the characters that really impressed me.”
Twenty-year-old Chan Hao Wai (see picture 1) was one of the performers to show up on the first day of auditions. He is an amateur performing artist who has been performing for two years. He said, “I’ve practiced my facial expressions in front of a mirror for a long time for this role, so I know just how scary I can be. I’m quite satisfied with my performance today, and really hope to win myself a part because this role is unbelievably unique and special.”
Another person is form five graduate, Law Tin Chun (see picture 2), who said, “I like watching scary movies and taking part in Halloween events. I have been to Ocean Park’s Halloween Bash for the past seven years and last year, I even wore full costumes and put on make up! It was so much fun! This audition is a really great opportunity for me to take part in this event and have a great time!”
Anyone over the age of 16 with a knack for performing can try out for Ocean Park’s Halloween Bash 2008 from 12 to 13 July, and 17 to 20 July. Ocean Park Halloween Bash audition details are available at www.oceanpark.com.hk/ophb_audition. Ocean Park will inform the successful candidates via letter and telephone after auditions are completed.
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About Ocean Park
Ocean Park is Hong Kong’s unique homegrown theme park with a heritage of delivering family fun and fond memories. Since its opening in January 1977 as a non-profit organization, Ocean Park has developed itself to be a world-class attraction connecting people with nature, and recognized for its animal husbandry, research and relationship with the community. Over 90 million people have visited Hong Kong's premier park since its inception and Ocean Park has remained committed to offer adults and children experiences that blend entertainment with education and conservation. Part of the proceeds from the Ocean Park admission tickets and some retail items will go to Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong to support its wildlife conservation projects.
