Theater students and La Verne firefighters joined forces this week for a multi-casualty incident training drill at the Brown property on Arrow Highway.
“We needed people who would be able to get into the roles as realistically as possible,” firefighter and paramedic coordinator Dave Denson said.
Director of theatre Steve Kent and his acting students answered the call marking the first partnership between the theatre and fire department.
“They’re having a grand time,” Kent said, adding that Denson’s proposal was an exciting one because it promoted community involvement.
The drill included a mock incident where students were victims of a premature bomb detonation in an apartment.
The actors arrived at 7 a.m. each morning for make-up transforming them into realistic looking bomb victims with missing limbs and debris through their bodies.
“It was like a movie set,” Kent said. “I hope we can keep this going.”
Familiar faces from the Dailey Theatre stage filled the blood-splattered hall and rooms.
Freshman Ashley Miguel said the drill was an opportunity to work on her voice and get into character.
“We aren’t having to memorize; it’s an improv exercise,” she said.
Freshman Crystal Arangua, whose character lost part of an arm in the blast, said it was like dressing up for Halloween.
“Whenever we are providing training we want to make it as realistic as possible,” Denson said. “Firefighters tend, if it’s not realistic, to not get their senses up or raise their adrenaline.”
“They’re doing a fantastic job for us,” Denson said of the student volunteers.
“We just want them to know that we are very appreciative,” he said.
Bailey Porter can be reached at porterb@ulv.edu.