Theatre as an Anti-Bullying Tool

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April 6, 2010
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Hey ShowSpacers-As this community is filled with educators, I am sure many of you have been following the tragic story of Phoebe Prince, whose untimely death has aroused a red flag for those of us who work with young people. (If you need to catch up on the headlines, click here.) Of course Phoebe's all-too-early passing is not an isolated incident. We are informed of many stories throughout each year, either through this type of media blitz or our own neighbors, of young people who endure torment in our very own schools and communities. I thoroughly believe in theatre as a teaching tool, however, as I'm sure most of you do. How can we use theatre to teach kids about bullying and its consequences? What have you guys done in your schools and communities to use a theatrical experience as a teaching tool in this sense?AlissaShowBizChicago.com
3 Answers

Cindy you are absolutely right. My daughter, who is 13, didn't feel she fit in any of the cliques at school but has found her home on the stage. Theatre people are the most accepting people I have ever run into. There are so many aspects of the theatre for kids to become involved in. It really is neat to see how these kids bloom when given the opportunity.

VIP Answer
April 14, 2010
Well put Chris! With my own daughter, 13 was such a challenging age at "fitting in". maybe that is why I love working with middle school kids so much!! cr

VIP Answer
April 7, 2010
Such a timely and incredibly significant topic Alissa. How fortunate we are to have such a diverse and effective tool as musical theater to keep kids SAFE and Sane,(although "sane" is negotiable near the end of a production?) On a serious note, many of us can quote stories when a child's participation in a musical has truly saved his life. Don't underestimate the power of acceptance with our vehicle. From making buttons to working fundraisers to pulling the curtain or doing a jazz square, there is SOMEPLACE for every kid in the package of a show. Rarely does a kid come out without saying they have new friends, more confidence, kids now talk with them or they can manage time better when allowed to articulate! I just finished a pilot last Friday of the first run of Disney's "Winnie the Pooh Kids' in NYC. We partnered with a public school with a broad spectrum of kids and backgrounds. I purposely did NOT want to know their personal histories in the 5 intense days we spent together, unless of course it involved their safety. The para professional that accompanied this group shared some of their home lives AFTER the pilot. In the 35 hours I spent with them, they were engaged and brought their vibrant creativity to 28 other kids they did not know. They were working hard and having fun producing one common goal. Safety wasn't an issue, gang connections were not an issue, but putting on a great show WAS an issue, and they did. Shows give kids a place, an outlet, a signature, a team, a dream and in many inner city schools I have worked with, a REASON TO COME TO SCHOOL. A show is a "drug of choice" for many of our kids. It is our prescription for kids especially in times of budget woes. Need ideas to include more kids? Write me, I am happy to give you a laundry list that doesn't end....with love. CR