The story of Viral explores the lives of seven children and their teacher through their experiences of online school and social media in the year 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The playwrights – a teacher and an educational assistant – tapped on their own experiences and lives, as well as the stories they saw reflected in their students.
Keywords: viral, pandemic, covid, online school, social media, drama, technology, texting, multimedia, media, cellphones, school, teacher, teaching, student, students, middle school
Genre: Drama
Acts: 5
Run time: 100 minutes
Suitable for students 12+
Produced by Thomas Street Middle School/The Thomas Street Acting Troupe, May 2024. Staged at John Fraser Secondary School, Mississauga, ON. Directed and produced by Kyle McGiverin, Netipha Malcolm-Joseph, and Steven Conte.
"Viral is a powerful, honest, and ultimately hopeful piece that resonates deeply, reminding us that even when the world feels like it’s falling apart at the seams, we are truly not alone."
-- Susana Silva, playwright and director
Cast size: 12 actors
Male roles: 5
Female roles: 5
Trans/Non-Binary/Gender Non-Conforming roles: 1
Casting note: The characters of Viral were broadly designed to match any cast and any combination of gender identities. Directors/producers are welcome to make adjustments to names and pronouns as needed (with the exception of Sam’s character).
Cast of Characters:
Ms. W – The teacher of Class C19.
TJ – Socially anxious and conflicted about Covid isolation.
Rhy – Academic, studious busybody.
Alex – Disengaged and low on self-esteem.
Sam – Struggling with their gender identity.
Patricia – Seeking social media fame with her videos.
Dani – Obsessed with someone she met online.
Jude – Feeling both suffocated and abandoned by his mother.
Tina – Jude’s mom, a hospital nurse and single parent.
Glenn – Sam’s dad, a busy corporate lawyer.
Nancy – Sam’s stay-at-home mother.
Paul – Ms. W’s steady, supportive husband.
Act Summaries:
Act 1: The First Day of School
The students get into their new online class for the first time. The audience sees snapshots of the characters’ lives and problems.
Act 2: Fall
TJ helps Patricia start her video column. Sam tries to talk to her dad. Dani gets an uncomfortable request. Rhy worries about her and butts heads with Alex. Tina gives Jude more responsibility.
Act 3: Winter
Patricia makes a video about Sam without telling them. Sam tries to talk to Jude. Alex’s dad has Covid. Dani slips up with Rhy, who tells Ms. W.
Act 4: Spring
Tensions rise to breaking points. When they find out Alex’s dad is hospitalized, all of Class C19 goes there to show support. Tina is there to help. Dani and Rhy mend their friendship, as do Patricia and Sam.
Act 5: Summer
Life settles down. Class C19 reflects on their year. The last day of school ends, and the kids, including Alex, part ways with Ms. W on good terms.
Production Notes:
This play relies heavily on integrated multimedia elements such as text conversations, video conferences/recordings, and screenshots. This is because it was written and designed to reflect the reality to which we were introduced in 2020, which in many ways has not changed. The best setup, if possible, uses a screen or scrim at the rear of the stage or on the sides, to project onto.