Teen pregnancy, physical violence, hate crimes and bullying were just a few of the topics covered through the musical, “Stand up! Change Teen Statistics” on Thursday. The show was on the Bowlus Fine Arts stage for the second year in a row.
Cast members performed for local area middle school students from Iola, Yates Center, Marmaton Valley and Crest.
The musical integrates teen statistics into the show while delivering a powerful message. Actors performed scenes that included everything from the effects of drug use to the consequences of unprotected sex.
Statistics are recited to the audience and each statistic relates to a scene. For example, one character was dealing with depression, noting suicide is the third leading cause of teen death.
Another scene played out a bullying; four out of five teens experience bullying.
All scenes are based on true stories.
The cast is made up of actors ages 17-23, with the younger cast making it easier for students to relate.
Lindsay Stock has acted in the traveling show for three years. She said the show tries to stay current by updating the statistics.
“We keep in mind the culture changes,” Stock said. “We try to know what’s hip and use new slang.”
After the curtain call, actors do a question and answer section with students.
Robbie Bersano also has been with the show for three years and enjoys taking the time to speak with the audience.
“The last part is my favorite,” Bersano said. “Seeing the kids’ reactions and how they’re interested in this has so much gratification.”
Stock agrees. She said students send them messages and letters following the show.
“The feedback after the show is amazing,” she said. “We hear from administrators that kids go and talk to their school counselors after the show.”
Surveys from previous performances show that 33 percent of all audience members said they decided to seek help as a result of the program.
Stand Up! for what’s right
