MATTAPOISETT — As a child, Dave Allen, a Mattapoisett actor, spent lots of time in hospitals diagnosed with two severe illnesses — Tourette's syndrome and Type 1 Diabetes.

In kindergarten, he found his passion on the stage of a school play. “The moment that I was out there in the spotlight and getting applause, I just had this euphoric feeling and it was like this is what I want to do.”

Now, Allen is competing in the nationwide Face of Halloween competition. Already through multiple rounds, Allen is waiting to hear back if he has made it to the next round. 

This competition is in its fourth year — bringing horror film fanatics, artists and actors together to raise money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. 

This foundation brings joy and comfort to children with serious illnesses through toys, gaming and unique hospital gowns.  

The prize for first place is $13,000 alongside a fully paid trip to Los Angeles to meet Jamie Lee Curtis, Matthew Lillard and Kane Hodder, three horror movie icons. The winner will also be spotlighted in Rue Morgue, a horror magazine. 

Participants submit multiple photos related to Halloween or acting, then the public votes on which pictures they like best. The goal is to garner the most support and votes to become the next face of Halloween. 

Knowing how scary hospitals and treatment can be, Allen says it helps him connect with the kids he is raising money for. 

“You could say that has given me empathy or sympathy or made it easier for me to relate especially to kids that are hospitalized.”

Involved with other programs for children with illnesses, Allen has dressed up as Spider-Man, Captain America and a variety of other characters to bring joy to those he meets. He has also volunteered for the Jimmy Fund and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. 

Allen currently works as a tour guide and actor at the Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, in addition to acting at haunted theater performances at Gallows Hill Museum in Salem. He also directs and acts in independent horror films and television series around the area.  

“When I discovered I [could] put my passion of performing and my passion for this mysterious paranormal stuff and combine them, that's really what made me dive in and start working in Salem and at the Lizzie Borden House,” said Allen.

Allen studied theater and acting at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. 

“When it's live and the audience is reacting and you can see that you're moving them, you're cutting them, you're bringing them joy or a great experience, that's just super fulfilling.”

Allen hopes to direct an independent horror film showcasing New England with the winnings. 

“My big dream ultimately would be to create something here. Allen continued, “I can share what makes New England great with more people.”

He is the most excited to connect and speak with the horror celebrities. 

Allen said it is a “great opportunity for me to talk about my goals and dreams and aspirations . . . Who knows who subscribes to [the horror] magazine that might be able to help me out too?”

Voting continues until the end of October. Anyone with a Facebook account can vote for Allen on the Face of Halloween website, www.faceofhalloween.org/2025/dave-allen.

The winners will be announced later in November. 

Allen said, “I'm hoping that people will root for me and vote for me and spread the word . . . a vote for me is a vote for us all.”