It’s that time of year again: time to shamble, stagger, and shimmy your way down to Redmond Town Center (RTC) for the fourth annual Thrill the World event, hosted by Redmond Zombies and SecondStory Repertory.

Last year, the undead of Redmond raised $5,000 by getting their groove on to Michael Jackson’s classic song, “Thriller.” More than 300 dancers ages 8-86 took over the town center in their bloody best, adding their numbers to the annual world-wide attempt to set the record for largest simultaneous dance.

This year’s event will be Oct. 27 at noon.

For those who don’t like to dance, there will be activities for the whole family. Makeup experts will be there to apply a ghastly pallor for souvenir photos and performances from local musicians and actors. Retailers throughout RTC will offer special discounts for customers in zombie-wear and restaurants such as Matts’ Rotisserie will also offer discounts and special Zombie Cocktails. There will also be a costume contest and prize giveaways such as Premium Plus tickets to iPic Theaters, manicures and pedicures from Studio Nails, Season 14 subscriptions from SecondStory Repertory and more.

Schedule of Events on Oct. 27:

• 10 a.m. – Registration begins, Photo and Zombification Stations open
• 10:15 a.m. – Live music by The Toneshakers
• 11 a.m. – Live music by SSR’s cast of Zombie Prom
• Noon – Official Thrill the World “Thriller” Dance
• 12:15 p.m. – Costume Contest
• 1 p.m. – Mass “Thriller” Freestyle

As in years past, net proceeds raised from the Redmond Thrill the World event will benefit SecondStory Repertory’s education program: SecondStory Conservatory. All the money raised directly impacts students by keeping costs down and making arts education accessible to everyone, regardless of income level. This year, thanks to the money raised by Thrill the World 2011, more than 5,000 students benefited from discounted school matinees, scholarships and drama classes.

In order to participate in the Thrill the World “Thriller Dance,” participants must learn (or have previously learned) the official version of the dance. Zombie dance instructor Teresa Osborn will hold dance workshops beginning Sept. 22. Class fees are $7 per class or five classes for $20. Proceeds of the class fee support the Redmond Department of Parks and Recreation and SecondStory Repertory.

Workshop Schedule

Sept. 22: 10 a.m. to noon
Sept. 29: 10 a.m. to noon
Oct. 6: 10 a.m. to noon
Oct. 13: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Oct. 20: 10 a.m. to noon

After class on Oct. 20, early registrations will be processed for the Thriller Dance from noon to 1 p.m. Registration and more information can be found at www.redmondzombies.com.