Denise and Janessa
Denise and Janessa Barna are a mother-and-daughter duo connected through scare acting at Brighton Asylum in Passaic, New Jersey. Their Behind the Mask conversation explores the people behind the characters and the creativity involved in bringing a haunt scene to life.
Denise’s changing characters
Denise describes performing several roles, including a nun in Hell Chapel, Bertha the librarian in The Bleeding Grounds, Tabitha in The Manor, and a witch. Her story shows how an actor can move between different characters and environments rather than relying on one costume or one kind of scare.
Scare acting is an art
Together, Denise and Janessa discuss reading the room, costumes and makeup, physical performance, and the value of quieter moments. Their episode also acknowledges a familiar challenge for performers: every audience is different, and nobody can scare everybody. Watch the full conversation for their approach to the craft and their shared haunt experience.