IRSC Drama students hit the stage, guiding Blackfalds through a Zombie Apocalypse
Iron Ridge Secondary Campus aims to mix gore and laughs in its first trip to the stage with the drama production "10 Ways to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse."
The one-act play, written by Don Zolidis, is a first for the new high school in Blackfalds. Drama instructor and director Quinto Gawdun said the play is a fun comedy that serves as a great entry point for students at the new school who are interested in drama, and for himself, a first-time drama teacher.
“Since it’s our first year with a theatre program, we wanted something manageable but enjoyable,” said Gawdun. “The play has modest production requirements, which helped the costume and set design. Plus, it’s structured in 10 vignettes, making it easier to teach and direct in smaller segments.”
Each vignette is a mini-act within the entire one-act play, and allows the student-actors to all have a chance to take the stage.
“It's 10 vignettes — each is a self-contained scene,” said Gawdun.
“Each vignette presents a ridiculous way to survive a zombie apocalypse. It’s kind of like the movie Zombieland. It’s intentionally episodic. Characters might die in one vignette and reappear in another. It allows for a lot of flexibility and fun without needing strict narrative continuity.”
The play is a cast of predominantly Grade 10 students, and this is the first exposure to the stage for most of them.
“They’ve been amazing. Many hadn’t had a chance to do theatre before, and they’ve embraced it fully,” said Gawdun. “They’re positive, constructive, and proud of their work. They’re also building the set, painting, and even handling lighting and props. Everything on stage was made by students.”
Gawdun has taught for 10 years and has always had a passion for the arts. He said with IRSC being a new school, he felt students with a creative side also needed a place to thrive.
“When I started the course in January, I was nervous; it was outside my comfort zone,” he admitted. “But I’ve grown a lot, and it’s now the best part of my day. Sharing this with the students has been amazing.”
The play will have had a couple of performances for fellow students at the school by the time the curtain opens on the public performances. After each performance, the cast and Gawdun discuss what they can do to improve their performance and build off what works.
“It's a collaborative process. When we get a script, we only get dialogue; there are no directions on movement or character traits,” said Gawdun. “We build it as a group. Students offer suggestions, identify character quirks, and give each other feedback. It helps with consistency and brings the show to life.”
With public performances on June 13 and 16 at 7 p.m., and a matinee on June 14 at 3 p.m., tickets are just $5 and available now through the IRSC website at irsc.wolfcreek.ab.ca.