News Flash

The Hampton History Museum seeks performers to bring to life stories and figures from the city’s dark side for evening walking tours to be offered the week before Halloween. Open auditions are being held at the museum on Monday, September 25 and Tuesday, September 26 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. No experience is necessary for these volunteer positions.

Leaving from the museum at 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 23, through Friday, October 27, these 60-minute tours include eerie tales of old Hampton and the Tidewater area.  The Hampton Horror Stories Tours will encounter actors portraying the first witch recorded in America, ghosts of Civil War Soldiers, pirates from Blackbeard’s crew, German submariners, a speakeasy proprietor, escaped prisoners, Spanish influenza victims, and more characters from the city’s tales of mystery and the macabre.  Each tour will include the grisly side of Hampton history, surprises and a spooky lantern tour of the St. John’s Church graveyard, and other points of fright along Queen Street and around Downtown Hampton.

A brief script will provided at the audition that contains biographical information about each character. Actors are encouraged to research their characters to add more to their scene. A variety of speaking and non-speaking parts are available. In addition to the featured roles of historical characters, the museum also seeks groups of pirates, speakeasy patrons, flappers, jail inmates and others to add to the frightful fun.

No preparation is necessary for the auditions. While some costumes are available, actors are welcome to put together a period-appropriate outfit that suits their character with guidance from the museum staff.  

People unable to attend either of the auditions, but interested in taking on a role in the tours are asked to call Hampton Horror Tour coordinator Brian Murray at 757/209-4579, or email brianmurrayXIV@gmail.com

The Hampton History Museum is located at 120 Old Hampton Lane in Downtown Hampton. There is free parking in the garage across the street. For more information, call 757/727-1102.