CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:

Richard: 40s-60s Caucasian, Male

A grizzled man who’s built a survival bunker in his basement. He leaves his daughter alone on the night of a national emergency to take care of the “trouble” outside. He leaves at the start of the show and doesn’t return until the finale. This trigger-happy father plays a significant role in the play’s shocking conclusion.

Johnny: 30s-40s Open Ethnicity, Male

Whilst visiting his mother’s grave with his sister, Barbara, Johnny is bitten on the leg by a ravenous man. As the play begins, he and his sister flee from their attacker. They end up hiding away in Richard’s “abandoned” house. There Johnny tends to his infected wound, hoping for the best. As the danger builds around them, Johnny struggles to accept that his attacker is a flesh-eating monster back from the dead. As the play progresses, Johnny’s infection slowly turns him into something sinister. NOTE: Must also play a zombie. Stage combat is required.

Claire: 30s-40s Caucasian, Female

A sweet and passive southern woman who’s just gotten married. Her and her newly wedded husband, Mitch, have fled to Richard’s house in hopes of hiding away in the bunker. Once they arrive, her and Mitch are met by Barbara and Ben, two survivors with other plans in mind. Showing a more progressive side than Mitch, Claire is the more reasonable of the two newlyweds. NOTE: Must be comfortable kissing and touching co-star Mitch. A female intimacy coordinator will be provided for rehearsals. Stage combat is required.

Mitch: 30s-40s Caucasian, Male

A hot tempered, loudmouth, southern man who’s hoping to join his brother, Richard, and his niece, Morgan, in their bunker. His selfish plans are ruined when Ben takes control of the house and declares the bunker a last resort for all. Showing traits of racism and abuse, it’s easy to dislike Mitch from the start. However, as the show moves along, Mitch becomes somewhat empathic and a bit courageous. NOTE: Must be comfortable kissing and touching co-star Claire. A female intimacy coordinator will be provided for rehearsals. Stage combat is required.

Agnes: 30s-40s Open Ethnicity, Female

A mysterious woman who’s been secretly communicating with Morgan for several months prior to the start of the show. Over that time, Agnes has built a trusting relationship with the troubled teenager, offering her support, advice, and even a new home. After being invited by Morgan, Agnes arrives in the middle of the night with her partner, Lydia. Right off the bat, the others are off put by Agnes’ suspicious behavior. Believed by Mitch to be some sort of cult leader, Agnes becomes a wedge between Morgan and her family. And things only get worse when Agnes reveals her alternative motive. NOTE: Some stage combat will be required.

Lydia: 20s-40s Open Ethnicity, Female

Blunt and tough as nails, Lydia is Agnes’ loyal companion. During the climax of the show, it’s revealed that her and Agnes plan to steal Richard’s supply of insulin for their diabetic baby. However, after fighting alongside the others and gaining their trust, Lydia’s guilt begins to consume her. NOTE: Stage combat is required.

Zombies: 18+ Open Ethnicity

Needing a mix of the classic zombies from Night of the Living Dead and the more erratic ones featured in modern day films like 28 Years Later. Each actor needs to think of 2 distinct approaches to their zombies. Have they been dead longer? If so, they might move slower and seem more lethargic. If they are fresher corpses, they can be more focused and have precise movements. Does your zombie have an injured leg causing a limp? Do they have spinal damage that makes walking upright nearly impossible? Do their hands twitch? Do their teeth chatter? Think of all these possibilities as you create your 2 variations. Also think of sounds they make. Snarling and screeching etc. Sound is very important because we will often hear them offstage and in the audience throughout the whole show. And please base your movements around any physical limitations you may have. Don’t do anything that can cause you harm. Most importantly, have fun!