Fog rolls in and blood curdling screams are heard as the lights come up on a terrifyingly hilarious performance this October.

The Trilogy of Terror will be performed in GlenOak High School’s black box theatre. The performance dates will be Oct. 20, 21, and 22 each starting at 7 p.m. It is a combination of three one act plays including The Hallmarks of Horror, A-Hoo!, and 10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse. A thrilling satire of classic horror tropes, a werewolf interrogation and swarms of hungry zombies will take center stage right before Halloween.

There will be a zombie carwash taking place during the first week of October as a preview for the show, where the cast will be dressed as zombies and wash cars fully in character.

“I’m just excited for the show in general. We have not done anything along these lines before. It’s completely different from anything we’ve ever done,” theatre arts teacher and director Amy Sima-Dirham said.

This year the cast and crew will be given opportunities to show off their skills involving makeup and costumes. The concession stand will be full of fun Halloween themed items.

“I think in particular this group of people that we’ve chosen are very good at comedy and they are very good at over the top characters. And that is what is going to sell the show overall,” Sima-Dirham said. 

This year has been different from other years in several different ways. This is the first year to ever have a student director. 

Senior Alexandra Petro had completed the entire theater arts program by the time she was a junior. A new independent study was created for her to learn directing and choreography techniques. One of her requirements for the course is to direct one of the acts of the fall play. 

“It’s very challenging, since it’s my first time directing. However, I really enjoy seeing shows from a different perspective, since I’m so used to being onstage. You get to see your vision come to life during rehearsals,” Petro said.

The second interesting thing about this year is that a record number of students auditioned for the play. 

“I was thrilled that 53 people auditioned; that’s the most we’ve ever had. I was over the moon excited,” Sima-Dirham said.

The cast this year is going to be larger than those of previous years. 

“I have felt the most challenges with figuring out the casting. There were so many actors who could’ve played certain roles, but in the end, I just went with my gut,” Petro said.

The COVID-19 pandemic is definitely impacting this show. A part of why the play was chosen was so rehearsals could take place on separate days and the cast could be split into small groups to ensure everyone is kept safe. The show is also able to be moved outside if necessary. The cast has been put into a unique situation. 

“We are still rehearsing while following the mask mandates and social distancing guidelines. Because of this, we have to get creative with our blocking,” Petro said.

“The cast is extremely talented and full of versatility. They are all super easy to work with, and I absolutely love every one of them,” Petro said. “I hope to see you there.”