Special Guests

David Howard Thornton

Colorado Festival of Horror is thrilled to welcome actor David Howard Thornton back for our 6th year at Colorado Festival of Horror: Clowns vs. Witches. Best known as the iconic Art the Clown from the TERRIFIER film franchise, David will be meeting fans throughout the weekend—participating in a Q&A, signing autographs, and snapping selfies. Fans will also have the opportunity to take part in a special Photo Op on Saturday, September 19th at 2pm, featuring David as Art the Clown in full makeup and costume—a must for any TERRIFIER fan!

Clowns are coming… witches beware.

David Howard Thornton is an American actor originally from Huntsville, Alabama, now based in the Los Angeles area. He works extensively across stage, film, and voiceover, showcasing a wide range of physical and vocal performance skills. David is well known for portraying “Grandpa Who” in the 1st through 5th national tours of DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS: THE MUSICAL, as well as voicing “Shizoku” and other characters in the video game INVIZIMALS: THE LOST KINGDOM. David has also appeared as “The Joker” in the YouTube series NIGHTWING: ESCALATION and made an appearance on FOX’s GOTHAM.

Most notably, David portrays "Art the Clown," the unrelenting silent killer in the fan-favorite and critically acclaimed TERRIFIER horror film franchise. His expressive, dialogue-free performance has brought Art to life as one of modern horror’s most terrifying icons. David reprised the role for TERRIFIER 2 and TERRIFIER 3, released theatrically on October 11, 2024, which went on to become the highest-grossing non-rated film in movie history. He is set to return as Art the Clown in TERRIFIER 4.

Additional credits include appearing as Art the Clown in the Ice Nine Kills’ music video “A Work of Art,” and portraying The Joker in the award-winning short film JOKER’S WILD. David can also be seen in THE MEAN ONE, a horror spoof of THE GRINCH, as well as the indie horror films STREAM and SCREAMBOAT, the latter of which won the Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best Public Domain Resurrection. In 2025, David completed filming THE AUTOPSY OF ALBERT KEMPER.

Professional Photo Op with actor David Howard Thornton in full makeup as “Art the Clown” from the “Terrifier” film franchise. Photo Op is Saturday Sept 19th at 2pm in the Photo Ops Room. Your 8x10 will be printed and available onsite. Up to 4 adults can be in the single Photo Op with "Art the Clown". A Photo Op ticket does NOT include admission to Colorado Festival of Horror.

Professional Photo Op with actor David Howard Thornton in full makeup as “Art the Clown” from the “Terrifier” film franchise. Photo Op is Saturday Sept 19th at 2pm in the Photo Ops Room. Your 8x10 will be printed and available onsite. Up to 4 adults can be in the single Photo Op with "Art the Clown". A Photo Op ticket does NOT include admission to Colorado Festival of Horror.

Amelie McLain

The Colorado Festival of Horror is unleashing another terrifying member of the Clown side at our 6th Annual Colorado Festival of Horror: Clowns vs. Witches! Please welcome actor Amelie McLain, best known to horror fans as the haunting Little Pale Girl from the TERRIFIER film franchise. The eerie partner-in-chaos to the infamous Art the Clown will be joining us all weekend long to meet fans, participate in a Q&A, sign autographs, snap selfies, and pose for Photo Ops.

The circus is coming…
and the Clowns are growing stronger.
Witches, consider yourselves warned.

Amelie McLain began acting at just 8 years old, booking a nationwide commercial on her very first audition. Since then, she has appeared in more than 15 commercials and print campaigns before transitioning to film and television. At age 10, she landed her first lead role in the feature film TRANSFERENCE, proving her talent was destined for the screen.

From 2021–2023, Amelie traveled regularly to Los Angeles for her recurring role on the long-running soap opera GENERAL HOSPITAL, portraying Charlotte Cassadine, granddaughter of Laura Spencer.

Horror fans around the world took notice when Amelie made her chilling debut in TERRIFIER 2 as the unforgettable Little Pale Girl, the mysterious clown spirit who becomes a twisted partner in crime with the infamous Art the Clown. Her eerie performance instantly made her a standout character in the franchise and a favorite among horror fans. Amelie has since appeared at horror conventions across the United States and in London, meeting fans of the TERRIFIER universe.

When she’s not haunting the screen, Amelie enjoys shopping, playing volleyball, and spending time with her 20-pound Maine Coon cat, Jagger.