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Working with a peer education theater program called When A Kiss is Not Just A Kiss?, Heather will train a group of your students and staff to perform this three scene improvisational play that is followed by in character Questions and Answer, and then Peer education processing issues such as:
- Legal understanding of sexual assault and rape in your state and on your campus
- What is, and what is NOT consent
- The role of alcohol and other drugs
- Personal responsibility
- Bystander behavior
- Facts and myths about sexual violence
- Resources for survivors in your community
No acting experience is required! The training requires at least 4 students, two men and two women, and can accommodate any additional students.
The training takes a day and a half (usually done over a weekend) and covers all issues related to sexual violence listed above as well as the entire theatrical and peer education production. The final production takes one hour to present, and students have given it two hearty thumbs up over years of performances.
The improvisational nature of the script provides a backbone of issue to cover in each scene, and allows students to continually change specific dialogue to reflect particular issues on campus and current social trends. The important messages about gender violence remain strong AND consistent amid campus specific dialogue.
You have full ability to make any changes you feel are beneficial to the needs of sexual violence education in your community.
Heather was the coordinator of sexual violence prevention at the University of Vermont from 1996 to 2003. She has trained dozens of casts since 1996 and directed performances for over 12,000 students.
College Staff Feedback
From a staff advisor: "The training you provided to our students, staff and myself was professional, challenging and comprehensive. After spending only one weekend of intense training with you, our students went on to perform for over 1,000 first year students in August 2003?. The program received rave reviews from the students, staff and campus community."
From three staff advisors: "Heather was pivotal in the development (of reducing sexual misconduct) at our college. We would highly recommend her program and talents to any school wishing to diversify their prevention programming. Heather Main is passionate about her work and shares the enthusiasm of prevention education theatre with those she presents to."
What do students say about the training?
Student comments from trainings in the 2003 to 2004 season:
I think this will have a huge impact on kids on campus. This is a very powerful production. Heather was a fantastic trainer.
I really liked the actual rehearsal of the skit. I got to see it really come alive. You provided us with really good feedback and kept the skit on track.
You have made a huge impact on who I am and how I would like to be.
(Heather) was completely helpful, especially with her experience. We couldn?t have done it without her.
It was a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Heather was very respectful of the participants and the material.
I loved learning (all about sexual violence) and it was awesome meeting all these people and becoming friends. I am looking forward to relaying this knowledge. (Heather) was so respectful, supportive and nice. This has changed my life.
I would work with you anytime. Thank you very much.
From a staff advisor: Solid prep for the students regarding every aspect of the performance. I can?t imagine a more efficient, effective, knowledgeable approach or trainer.
From a staff advisor: It's amazing what they accomplished in so little time.
THIS IS A BRIEF OVERVIEW AND SURELY YOU WILL HAVE QUESTIONS. I HOPE YOU WILL CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS TO HELP BUILD A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THIS PROGRAM!
I look forward to the possibility of working with you and your students.
How much does this cost?
$1,500 includes a day and a half of training, plus materials that are yours to keep. This cost is based on one overnight required. Schools requiring two overnights (mainly because of travel distance) are $1,750. Additional costs are travel, lodging, and meals not included in training.
After the initial training, there are no costs to operate the program other than the occasional cast pizza party! You might consider performing for other schools and you can charge any fee you want, recovering your initial costs.
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