Citation

Pugni JL. Plan. Parent. Rev. 1984; 4(2): 11-12.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1984, Planned Parenthood Federation of America)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12339888

Abstract

At this time there are about 20 Planned Parenthood teen theater groups throughout the US. The idea originated in New York in 1973, when the staff of the Family Planning Division of the New York Medical College needed an effective way to reach adolescents about important issues. FOCUS, a teen family life theater sponsored by Planned Parenthood of Greater Charlotte, performs skits about life as seen from the teenager's perspective. The teenagers do not use a script but create their performances from their own experiences, expressed through carefully learned improvisational techniques. This approach gives the presentations an authentic flavor that enables the troupe to connect with the audience. The topics dealt with vary. For example, 1982-83 shows included peer pressure, divorce, teenage pregnancy, drinking, teenage suicide, parent-teen relationships, and loneliness. The performances do not offer absolute answers but rather pose important questions to the audience. Following the performance the actors and actresses return to the stage, still portraying their characters, and invite the audience to ask questions and discuss possible alternatives for the characters. THE SOURCE is the Teen Council of Planned Parenthood of Southwest Florida. It works to inform the community of problems teenagers face by presenting short plays, written, directed, and cast by teens themselves. Through education, honest answers, healthy building of self esteem, and parent support, SOURCE members reach a higher level of self awareness. They then share what they learn with their families, peers, and the community through performance and special events. THE SOURCE, formed in October 1980, grew out of Planned Parenthood's belief that if teens feel self worth, their decision-making process will be affected less by peer pressure and negative social influences. The Youth Expression Theater (YET) of Cambridge is an education outreach project of the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM). It grew out of the belief that improvisational drama, by permitting teens to portray their conflicts, is a more creative educational tool than a lecture series by adult professionals. YET productions deal with teen pregnancy, parenting, sexual responsibility, and decision making, alcohol and drug abuse, birth control, homosexuality, divorce, abortion, suicide, and sex-role stereotyping. In Dallas, Texas, Elena Love and Jim Roderick established the Teen Perspective Theater (TPT) as an arm of the Planned Parenthood of Greater Dalls education program. An acting company of 11 students aged 13-18 was drawn from public and private schools. Rehearsals began the end of July and included educational sessions as well as performance skill workshops. The presentation follows the format established by other Planned Parenthood theater groups: brief improvisational skits, in-character exchange with the audience, and personal exchange with the audience.

Language: en