Hey BrassIgla,
Yes, you can. You would want to make a collider volume blueprint or possibly handle this in your level matinee if it is more scripted. I would use a blueprint, crate a volume that gets collision with actor, on actor collision > trigger particle system or event etc. If it is a straight forward cut scene style, matinee is very easy to use once you get grips on it, and allows you to animate camera, actors, trigger animations, particles, etc. etc.
If you need more help give me some more specifics on what you are trying to accomplish and I can probably at least point you in the right direction. 
Again, if you don’t hear from me for an extended period of time, feel free to email me.