event Published 2026-05-12 16:44:35.372 +0000 UTC
A theatrical production developed within Peel District School Board (PDSB) is reaching a new audience across the province, as Viral, written and produced by PDSB educator Kyle McGiverin and former PDSB educational assistant Netipha Malcolm-Joseph, in collaboration with students from Thomas Street Middle School, prepares to be staged by a secondary school in Ottawa this spring.
Viral explores the lives of seven children and their teacher navigating online learning and social media during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Drawing from real-life experiences, the play reflects the challenges and connections that shaped student life during that time, bringing authentic youth voices to the stage.
‘COVID sucked, so hard, and as an educator it was terrifying on so many levels,” said McGivern. “We were afraid for our kids, we were afraid for ourselves, we had no idea what we were doing. Viral was born out of that very real journey into the unknown, and our students were instrumental in shaping what that looked like so we could be authentic about the characters we put on stage”.
Malcolm-Joseph added that the play goes beyond the pandemic. “Viral isn’t just a play about COVID-19; it was a piece to create room for students and adults to reflect on how everyone has a story. Every person goes through hardships we may not see unless we ask. Especially kids; their world isn’t always carefree or worry free. Sometimes it’s just as overwhelming for them as it is for adults”.
The play was first performed in May 2024 by the Thomas Street Acting Troupe at Thomas Street Middle School, with performances held at John Fraser Secondary School in Mississauga. The production featured a cast of 12 students, 18 crew members and several volunteers in Grades 6 to 8, bringing the story to life for local audiences.
To reflect the role of technology in students’ lives, the production incorporated multimedia elements, including text message conversations, video calls and interactions between actors on stage and those appearing on screen. PDSB teacher Steven Conte played a key role in bringing these technical elements to life.
Students involved in the original production also played an active role in shaping the script, contributing ideas and perspectives that reflected their own experiences during the pandemic.
Dary Liu, who played the character TJ, a student navigating social anxiety and finding confidence through online learning, said the role challenged him to step outside of himself. “TJ was a very different person than I am, and I had to really change how I behaved when I was playing him,” he said. “I’m really excited to see the new TJ and what they do with the character, and I want to tell the new cast to break a leg!”.
Parsa Teymori, who played Glenn, a parent balancing work from home while supporting his child through a gender transition, said the experience left a lasting impression. “It was a really stressful show, and I was really happy when it was done, but it also had a really good story,” he said. “My favourite part of doing it was how it brought me closer to people, and I might not have had that chance otherwise.”
Following its initial success, the play was submitted to the Playwrights’ Guild of Canada, where it is now available for amateur productions. This spring, students at Lisgar Collegiate Institute in Ottawa will stage their own version of Viral on May 14 and 15, introducing the story to a new community.
“Students are excited to work with a play that reflects the role technology plays in their lives”, said Lindsay Nicol, Director of the Ottawa production. “Many connect deeply with the characters, having experienced similar challenges during the pandemic. As a director, I’m especially excited about the collaboration across school boards, departments, staff, and students to bring this production to life”.
For McGiverin, seeing the play take on a new life has been a memorable experience. “I literally could not sit still the day I found out”, he said. “To see your work find a new audience is incredibly thrilling”.
The upcoming production marks an exciting milestone for the educators and students involved, demonstrating how a locally developed piece of student-centered theatre can resonate beyond its original audience. To mark the occasion, educators and members of the original cast, including some who have since graduated, are planning a trip to Ottawa to see the production on a new stage.
Projects like Viral highlight the important role the arts play in education, providing students with opportunities to explore creativity, express their perspectives, and engage with real-world issues. Through collaborative work like this, educators support students in developing confidence, communication skills and a deeper understanding of their own experiences, while nurturing the talents that help bring stories to life.
The original production of Viral was recorded and can be viewed online (Part 1 & Part 2).