All aboard the Stanley Park ghost train
The Vancouver attraction is a popular Halloween tradition
Every year, Stanley Park's miniature train gets a spooky makeover just in time for Halloween. This year the ghost train runs from October 8 to October 31 (though it will be closed on October 14 and October 15 because of the storms battering B.C.'s south coast).
From high school drama students to professional actors, the performers added plenty of colour to an already vibrant holiday, the Day of the Dead, for this year's theme. The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday focused on praying for and remembering those that have passed on.
A dedicated cast
Cast members wait patiently between arrivals, preparing to dance, sneak or jump out at delighted onlookers. Depending on the amount of visitors, trains may come every few minutes, making for a busy night for the performers.
A mix of up-and-comers and professionals
The ghost train has a varied cast: many of the performers are high school drama students while others are professional actors. That mix creates a interesting dynamic for all involved.
"These kids are amazing, they get here and just dive right into it. For us professionals, we've got to hit it with that same enthusiasm and dedication," says Jonathan Teague, a ghost train veteran performer.
Braving the elements
The performers also have to deal with Vancouver's temperamental fall weather.
"We do our skit, then we go inside the tent, huddle around the heater for exactly seven minutes, then go back out and do it again," says Raquel Francis. She hopes to someday be a famous actor.
Celebrating the dead
There are many hallmarks of the Day of the Dead celebration.
Their colourful costumes and props often include sugar skulls, bright flowers, butterflies and even shrines to those that have passed on.
Keeping the train on its tracks
This production of the ghost train has a lot of moving parts. Site managers constantly move through the darkness from set piece to set piece, keeping the production working smoothly.
Designers work tirelessly to create the art, costumes and sets. Whether they are working behind the scenes or in front of the audience, everyone works towards the same goal of entertaining visitors.
Joining in the fun
The ghost train has been a popular Vancouver Halloween attraction for years. Kids and adults alike will often show up in costume and in the mood for a good scare or laugh. The event is put on annually by Mortal Coil Performance Society, which started the ghost train 15 years ago.
