It’s time for the Paprika Festival! This youth-lead festival has been helping to develop the future of Toronto theatre for over 20 years. Melissa Avalos is part of this year’s Playwrights Unit, and I got to ask her about the experience and what audiences can expect from the reading of her latest play.

1. Could you please introduce yourself to my readers and tell us a bit about your role with Kim is Dead?

Hello! My name is Melissa Avalos, and I’m the playwright of Kim is Dead. You might recognize my name because I occasionally have the privilege of writing reviews for Intermission. Or maybe you’ve seen me working patron services at any of your local Toronto theatres.

2. You developed this show through the Paprika Festival’s Playwright’s Unit! What was that experience like?

Paprika has been such a rewarding experience. Paprika’s team is made up of the best of the best. It’s like having the Avengers of Toronto theatre gather together to help fulfill your dreams (except it’s better because they all believe in you). I couldn’t ask for a better facilitator than Merlin Simard, whose encouragement helps my writing soar.

3. What is Kim is Dead about?

Kim is Dead is about a group of box office workers who balance comfort and survival when, in the midst of the apocalypse, their manager dies and gets rehired as a zombie. That’s my hook. My show is a satire that critiques the Toronto theatre industrial complex, minimum wage work, and the people who keep these structures running. When the world is falling apart, what is the point of art? Who gets to make it, and who suffers? Those are the questions I’m trying to ask with this project.

4. Where do you find your greatest source of inspiration as a writer?

Working in patron services, of course! (“Write what you know.” That’s what they say, right?) I genuinely consider working patron services as a critical part of my artistic process. When I am in constant engagement with audiences, I get to see first-hand the impact that art is making. Who do we create art for, if not for the audience? After I watch a performance, the most insightful people to talk to are the ones you usually never get to hear from (seniors, teens, artsworkers who have 3 joe jobs etc.).

5. What can audiences expect from Kim is Dead?

I want it to be fun! I’m lucky to be working with such talented and funny actors. You can expect lots of laughs, and many Toronto-specific references.

I want to thank Melissa for taking the time to answer my questions. You can find out more about Kim in Dead and the Paprika Festival here: https://paprikafestival.com/festivals/2026/

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