“My name’s Penelope Planner and I’m trying to plan for a disaster,” exclaimed the heroine of “Ready or Not: Preparing for Wildfires,” an interactive play sponsored by Edison International.

As part of Wildfire Preparedness Week, hundreds of students from elementary schools across Southern California Edison’s service area are learning how to prepare for weather-driven emergencies, such as wildfires, from Penelope Planner.

Through her adventures, students learn the difference between a disaster, emergency and a hazard; what a family emergency plan is; how wildfires start; and who they should call in case of an emergency.

“Edison is proud to once again partner with The National Theatre for Children on ’Ready or Not,’” said Alex Esparza, SCE principal manager of Corporate Giving. “During these extraordinary times, we are glad that we are able to bring the play directly to the kids who are attending classes remotely and hope that they are able to take the lessons learned and begin adopting them at home.”

The play, originally performed live and in person, was adapted into an all-digital format last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The play is now viewed online through The National Theatre for Children’s livestreaming platform.

Each livestream event features a live host who introduces the program, sets up and recaps a series of educational sketches. The host also leads a Q&A session at the end, where students and teachers can submit questions for the host to answer in real time.

Additionally, teachers receive a digital curriculum, including games, activities, e-books, hands-on lessons, assessments and smart speaker apps, to reinforce the play’s emergency preparedness lessons.

Edison International, the parent company of SCE, has partnered with The National Theatre for Children to bring theatrical performances into Southern California schools since 2012.

“Ready or Not” will play at 13 different elementary schools by the end of June. These schools include Crestview Elementary, Madera Elementary and Vista Fundamental Elementary in Simi Valley; Lakeview Elementary in Yorba Linda; Olinda Elementary, Laurel Elementary, Arovista Elementary and Brea Country Hills Elementary in Brea; Linda Vista Elementary and California Elementary in Orange; and Jurupa Vista Elementary, Palmetto Elementary and Sycamore Hills Elementary in Fontana.