No inhibitions for Fear NZ actors

A fundraising charity running a horror-themed maze in Dunedin says it is also providing opportunities for people who struggle with social anxiety.

Fear NZ's latest frightening offering, Warehouse of Fear, will take place in the old Go Kart site in the Loan and Mercantile Warehouse in the city's industrial waterfront area.

Organiser Rory Foley said the maze would raise money for Camp Quality South and Ariki Athletics, and be opened to the public this Friday.

Many of the actors who volunteered to provide the ''fear'' factor struggled with social anxiety, but as soon as the lights went down they came out of their shells, he said.

''They turn up, we put a mask on them and they completely change. No-one can see them. They go nuts.''

The maze has about 50 to 60 actors aged between 16 and 60.

Mr Foley said the younger actors frequently surprised parents who attended the events.

''Their parents will turn up and say it's the first time they've actually seen them engaging with others.''

The actors come from all walks of life, each with their own unique motivation for volunteering.

''We asked one girl why she does it, and she said 'I want to see a guy cry'.''

The actors are transformed into numerous creatures and horror icons by a team of student make-up artists from Otago Polytechnic.

''They get quite creative, because they don't have to do just pretty stuff.''

The maze will be open at weekends until June 22.

-By Samuel Rillstone