Zombies who wish to perform with Chicago Thriller must attend a minimum of 3 rehearsals to qualify. These may be 3 of our 2 hour in-studio “core” Sunday rehearsals or 3 of our 1 hour “bonus” dance captain led rehearsals on weeknights outdoors in various Chicago parks. Attendance at our dress rehearsal is also required.

The group performs as one and a group costume is required. The costume is comprised of peices provided by Chicago Thriller as well as a few “base” items from your personal closet. The downloadable costume guide is available on our home page.

Zombies commit focus during rehearsals and performances, support their fellow undead and enjoy the experience…it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be Thriller.

1.) Register for the 2026 Season on our webpage and pay your registration dues ($85 for registration only OR $100 for registration + the 2026 tee shirt)

2.) Sign up for rehearsals on our Meetup page (seeing the headcount for each class helps us plan the lessons)

3.) Tell your friends!

OLD SOULS are our returning zombies who have performed with us in the past, some just once or twice and others who have been with us for 10 years. Old Souls are identified in class and help with questions during rehearsal breaks.

FRESH MEAT are our fresh, delicious brand new zombies joining us for their first Thriller Season. Our Fresh Meat are in good company and make friends fast as every rehearsal attendee wears a name tag so chatting is easy. Fresh Meat “become funky” on the evening of their first performance and are hence forth known as Old Souls.

You can reach us easily via the comments or direct message feature on our Meetup page, there you can contact our Director Mrs. J, Zombie Wrangler Gina, Studio and Stage Managers, Wendy and Sarah, General Admin, Heather, Dance Captains Brother Moonwalk and Sister Moonwalk and other Old Souls and Fresh Meat you meet in rehearsal. To reach Mrs. J privately please email ChicagoThriller@gmail.com. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.

Chicago Thriller is a volunteer-run, community-funded organization. Your annual registration dues help cover the costs of producing our season, including:

• Dance studio rental

• Rehearsal supplies

• Costume pieces and makeup materials

• Website, Meetup, and registration platform fees

• Recruitment and advertising

• Special events and costume-making parties

• Performance green room expenses

• Sound equipment and technology

• Parade vehicle, trailer, and generator rentals

• Permits, insurance, and other operating expenses

Every dollar goes back into creating a fun, safe, and memorable experience for our zombie community. Thank you for helping keep Chicago Thriller going each Halloween season!

If you’d like to discuss a payment plan, please see Gina or Heather during rehearsal

Rehearsals are fun, welcoming, and designed for all experience levels—no dance background required! We'll warm up together, break the choreography into easy-to-learn sections, review previous material, and practice as a group.

You'll also participate in a Zombie Physicality Workshop, where you'll learn how to move, perform, and bring your unique zombie character to life. We teach the full, accurate choreography from Michael Jackson's original Thriller music video, so by performance day you'll be ready to dance like the undead.

Whether you're a returning zombie or Fresh Meat, we'll help you every step of the way.

Participants must 18 years of age or older.