Caledonia Argus

Social Action Theatre to perform at CHS

Posted: 11/6/02

by Andrew Miller
Argus News Reporter

In an effort to raise awareness and provoke thought regarding social issues of today, Social Action Theatre will present skits about diversity, conflict, and problem solving to students and the general public on November 6, 7, and 11 at Caledonia middle/high school.

Social Action Theatre (SAT) is a student theatre troupe from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Originally conceived of as a way in which to educate UW-La Crosse students and staff about diversity issues, the troupe now performs at schools throughout the nation. It is a one-credit course in which students develop and perform skits with socially oriented themes. After presenting a skit, the actors remain in character and field questions from the audience.

The intent of the skits is to encourage spectators to evaluate their thoughts on the issues.

ìWe donít profess to have any answers,î said SAT instructor Bob Krajewski. ìWe simply want to get people to talk about the issues. We act as a catalyst and a facilitator to solving problems they have themselves, as well as to understand better where they stand on particular issues.î

The hallmark of SAT is that it takes learning out of the classroom and brings it onto the stage, providing students with a unique experience from which to formulate and assess their opinions. The question-and-answer session following the skits allows students to bounce ideas off the performers, which provides a means by which to acquire feedback.

ìIt is a great process,î Krajewski said. ìWe hope that the Caledonia middle and high school students and their parents enjoy that process and help us to be successful in facilitating it. Both students who perform and those in the audience eventually begin to understand by listening to and working with others that others face issues, too, and that they themselves are more like others, and they begin to isolate themselves and their problems less.î

On Wednesday, November 6, SAT will present skits to sixth and seventh graders. Anticipated sketches will include ìAutismñ Is it important to be adjusting to those with needs we donít understand?,î ìUpper Crustñ What role should wealth play in getting along?,î and ìMath Problemsñ Where is the fairness in taking advantage of a math nerd?î

Ninth and tenth graders, on November 7, are scheduled to view ìComputer Harassmentñ What is appropriate conflict and problem solving?,î ìWhose Court?ñ What sport is superior?,î and ìVerbal Abuseñ Why does it hurt when you canít see the marks?î

Anticipated topics on November 12 for eleventh and twelfth graders include ìDrinkingñ What are issues generating conflict and what problems need solving?,î ìDate Rape,î and ìObesityñ What does it cost to be friends?î

The performances for students are from 1:30-3 p.m in the CHS theatre. On each of these days, a second performance, identical to the earlier one, will be given for parents and the general public at 3:30 p.m in the theatre.

Parents are encouraged to become involved in this process in three waysñ by discussing at home with their son or daughter the topics presented, by attending the plays themselves, and by assisting with the meals provided for the UW-La Crosse students. Volunteers are needed for both preparing and serving the meals on each of the days; meal preparation is around 4:30 on each of the days, serving will be from 5-6. Those interested should contact the Caledonia middle/high school office at 725-3316.

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