STAAR Theatre at Antoinette Hall is proud to partner with local and state emergency services for a powerful and emotional live demonstration during this year’s Sundrop Festival during an EMS Mock Crash at the STAAR intersection (Madison and First Street) on Saturday, June 14 at 2 p.m.
The event is designed to bring awareness to the tragic consequences of distracted driving, especially among young people.
This real-time, highly realistic simulation will involve Pulaski Emergency Services, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Pulaski Police Department, Pulaski Fire Department and other first responders. The public is encouraged to attend and witness how quickly lives can be changed by a moment of inattention.
Street Closures and Scene Set-Up
Streets will close at midnight on Friday, June 13, to allow for preparation. Two wrecked vehicles (with all broken glass removed) will be placed overnight in a T-bone collision layout at the intersection.Live Mock Crash Event Timeline: 10 a.m. – Call time for participating actors; 1:30–1:45 p.m. – Actor placement at the crash site; 2 p.m. – The live emergency event begins (approx. 30 minutes).
During the event, camera crews, drones and a PA system will capture the action. A jumbotron will be available to help festivalgoers on the other side of the square view the entire scene. Tennessee Highway Patrol Sergeant Stephen Ellis will narrate the scene live, step by step, for educational impact.
The mock crash scenario is as follows:
A teen boy, distracted while trying to pull up music on his phone, runs a red light and collides with a vehicle carrying a mother and two children. The children have critical injuries. The distraught father arrives on foot, confronting the scene and the teen driver. Tensions escalate as bystanders react and the full emergency response unfolds in real time.
Sergeant Stephen Ellis of the Tennessee Highway Patrol will narrate the event live to the public via a PA system and jumbotron, explaining each step in the emergency response process as it happens. This is a fully immersive, emotionally realistic scenario meant to leave a lasting impression on festival attendees.
The mother and teen drivers are injured but conscious. A frantic father arrives after receiving the news and emotionally confronts the scene. Realistic reactions from all actors, including bystanders who know the teens, will add to the powerful message.
Casting Call for Actors
STAAR Theatre is seeking performers for the following key roles: Mother; Young Teen (ages 13–15); Child (ages 9–12); Driving Teen Boy (boyfriend); Driving Age Teen Girl (girlfriend); Father (arrives after crash); Bystanders 1 and 2 (friends of teen drivers). All actors must be willing to wear trauma makeup and torn clothing, stay fully in character for this live, one-take performance and deliver emotionally charged performances.
Makeup artists, wardrobe and rehearsal support will be provided. Actors should wear their own shoes (either to be kept clean or ones that can be damaged).
STAAR will provide:
Wardrobe (unless actors prefer to use their own costume); Makeup artists on-site; Assistants (2); Refreshment table with snacks and lunch. Waivers and media releases will be required. All participants will be safe and guided at all times.
How to Get InvolvedActors and volunteers must register on GROUPSPOT using the STAAR Theatre Code: KEJH.Download the appJoin the STAAR group. RSVP on the calendar event.
Whether performing or supporting, everyone is encouraged to share this event and help STAAR spread the life-saving message: distracted driving kills. For more information or to get involved, visit STAARtheatre.org or call 931-371-0955.
STAAR Theatre at Antoinette Hall is honored to be part of this unforgettable demonstration and remains committed to using the power of performance to impact lives. Help us make a difference – show up, share and stay safe.
Also check out other Arts events in Pulaski, Theatre events in Pulaski, Festivals in Pulaski.
