THE SCRIPT: July 2009

"Men must decide not to be rapists...then, there wouldn't be rape." -- "Jay," from The Script

THE SCRIPT is a one-man show that depicts JAY, NICK, JEREMY, and CHRIS, four young men, at the "edge of an incident"-- A female classmate has been involved in an episode of dating violence. The young men are suddenly confronted by the very real issues of rape and sexual assault. In the course of this 40 minute, eye-opening play, the four characters grapple with their attitudes and beliefs about men, women, and relationships, and they make dramatic choices which effect their friendships, and their lives.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Educators Comment On The Script

Patt Adjarety, Juvenile Officer at Clayton Family Courts, had this to say after watching a performance of The Script:

"I was very interested in hearing more about the skit presented to the students. As a staff member of the Clayton Family Courts Juvenile Unit female unit, this kind of real presentation of people the girls encounter will help them think about relationships and friendship. Based on group talks I have had with the students, they need more exposure to information about relationship conflict and to how boys think. Please continue and come back and provide this service. It really created an unexpected response-- smiles, frowns, excitement, and a greater interest."

Cindy Malott, Crisis Intervention Supervisor of the YWCA St. Louis Regional Sexual Assault Center, who provided vital support in the creation of The Script, had this to say about the one-man show:

“The Script is a compelling look at the impact of sexual violence in our communities, viewed through the eyes of young men. Tim’s sensitive use of comic relief and intense drama will keep adolescents and adults alike actively engaged in the show from start to finish.”

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Students Comment on The Script!

I've had a chance to perform The Script for three groups of incarcerated teens at Clayton Family Courts, in Clayton, Missouri over the past two weeks. The young men have been amazing audiences--responsive, eloquent, and thoughtful. Afterwards, these audience members were generous enough to provide me with some written feedback regarding the show-- here's what they shared about The Script:

(The student's names have been omitted to protect their privacy)

"I felt the show was revealing/moving because of the real life situation and the outlooks of the four different characters." --Age 16

"I really appreciate that you would take time out of your day to teach us more about rape. Your play is extremely well made and kep me on it and it tune the whole time, thanks!"
--Age 15 1/2

"I really liked the play." --Age 15

"I thought it was kind of funny and that it does show how some people act when somebody they know is raped." --Age 16

"I liked the show because all four people were concerned and anxious to find out who committed the rape." --Age 16

"I think people should not be raped." --Age 15

"I like the play. I think that Tim could do more plays around the world to help teens about being raped or commiting rape." --Age 16

"I think the play was funny and something to see besides sitting doing nothing."
--Age 16

"I thought the play was wonderful. It shows you how people's personalities change. Good job! Tim, you are a great actor!" --Age 17

"Much luv to the show. I loved the show, it actually touched my heart. Today you helped me actually to find myself. Everyday I try to fit myself into a social box but today your show and your talent have just made me find a part of myself. You should tell the world about what you have to say. You're funny, talented, and educational. Thanks so much for that amazin' show! Much luv. I like how you switched characters, and much emotion." --Age 16

"Great acting. You are going to be great!" --Age 16

"It was a good show." --Age 15

"The show was great to watch and it tells how people can hurt and abuse by different people you know. Tim, you are a funny actor and make things even more interesting." --Age 16

"I think the play was great. I was really interested in it, there were some funny parts in it too. I'm 15, and it was a good play-- you should see it sometime!" --Age 15

"It's very creative and informing. And Tim's a great actor." --Age 16

"I think the show was really good. It made you think about things you never thought about before and I give it 5 stars." --Age 15

"I enjoyed the show very much. It was very useful. I think you should do it more often to let others know what they are doing and how it effects others. Most people should be aware of what they are doing. Just to let you know I enjoyed it very much and hope you continue making others aware to stop the crimes to make Planet Earth a safer place." --Age 17

"It's kind of funny. It's fun to watch. You will enjoy this show!"
--Age 16

"The show was good. I liked it. Thanks for this." --Age 15

"I thought the show was very great. It was as if I was watching a movie. I would recommend that the show goes on tour so many teens can see this act." --Age 16

"I thought that the show was very good. It was also funny to me and it was educational." --Age 16

Two more shows with Clayton Family Courts...more feedback posted here soon!

Monday, July 20, 2009

Educators Comment on The Script

Thoughts about The Script from Christina Meneses, Sexual Violence Educator with the St. Louis Regional Sexual Assault Center:

"As a person who educates the community about rape, I see that The Script is able to engage people in a radically different way than most rape education, and even most plays of this nature. It's a perfect blend of information and emotion, head and heart, and shows many of the real struggles that men have in dealing with the issue of rape. The vast majority of men aren't rapists, and yet many men are affected by the issue. Tim does a great job exploring the lives of men who surround survivors as friends, partners and ex-partners, and bystanders."

The Script On Tour!

The Script, a one-man show addressing the issues of dating violence and sexual assault has had several successful performances over the past few weeks:

July 1st, a performance for the staff of the YWCA St. Louis Regional Sexual Assault Center in Clayton, Missouri. The SLRSAC has played a vital role in the development of The Script, and it was a great pleasure to perform the completed piece for the SLRSAC's capable staff members.

July 14th and 15th, two performances at the Clayton Family Court System-- these shows, facilitated by Sexual Violence educator Christina Menenses, were performed for an audience of incarcerated teens, many of whom participated in a great post-show discussion about the issues of dating violence and sexual assault. These shows were a great experience, and the audience's feedback is invaluable in the development of The Script...

Other performances on the way:

July 20th, Clayton Family Court System

July 22nd, Clayton Family Court System

July 28th, Clayton Family Court System

July 30th, St. Louis Family Court System

August 20th, ALIVE of St. Louis

September 24th, University Of Missouri, St. Louis

More performances on the way...stay tuned...

For more information, check out: http://www.timcollinsonline.com/

THE SCRIPT-- A ONE MAN SHOW CONFRONTING RAPE AND DATING VIOLENCE

"I thought the show was awesome. Tim did such a great job of choosing the most relatable characters to get his message out there in the best way he could, in a way that would really get people to start thinking about the things they do and how they think about women. I think it takes a lot of courage to get up in front of a large crowd & act that out & I feel privileged to have seen the show. It made me want to respect myself more than I already do. Thank you so much."

--Rachel Edmonds, Saint Louis University student

"What I liked most about THE SCRIPT was the way it engaged both adolescents and parents on a range of important topics that are not discussed often enough. The play was dynamic, and the various characters connected with the audience. It was a gift to be able to see it and share it with adolescents and parents in our community. We can spend hours talking about issues, but, in forty minutes, THE SCRIPT showed a huge range of issues, deepening discussion in unique ways. I count it a privilege to have seen it."

---Dorothy Denny, MSW, LCSW, Children's Advocacy Services

"Wonderful, effective, powerful performance!"

--Donna MacomberCo-Executive DirectorWomen's Freedom Center

"I've been working with Men's issues for over twenty years, both personally and professionally. In the course of just forty minutes, Tim has managed to address nearly all of them with compassion, and candor."

--Craig McIntosh, MSW, LCSW, Provident, Inc. Domestic Violence Program Coordinator

"In THE SCRIPT, Tim captures the complex thoughts and feelings experienced by male teens as they navigate dating and peer relationships. He clearly lays a path for steps young men can take to address rape and violence in our communities. This entertaining performance is sure to motivate young adults to challenge their thoughts about sexual and dating violence. This important piece of work should be a regular part of high school and college orientation presentations."

--Amanda C. Antenucci, MSW, LCSW Adolescent Therapist, Safe Connections

"I was absolutely enthralled by Tim Collins' "The Script". Not only did he provide well-researched, accurate information on rape, he created and portrayed four very different males who each had sympathetic components. Tim gets correct messages out without alienating anyone. His poignant portrayal of the situation managed to utilize humor as well as keep everyone engaged to see 'who did it.' "

--Allison Hile, Executive Director, Teen Pregnancy & Prevention Partnership

"The Script is a compelling look at the impact of sexual violence in our communities, viewed through the eyes of young men. Tim’s sensitive use of comic relief and intense drama will keep adolescents and adults alike actively engaged in the show from start to finish."

--Cindy Malott, Crisis Intervention Supervisor of the YWCA St. Louis Regional Sexual Assault Center

"This may be the most important one-person show you'll ever see. Tim Collins is a superlative performer, and his cagey, taut, forty-minute performance was both mesmerizing and profound."

--The Arts Advocate

"I thought the show was absolutely awesome! It was engaging, insightful, and I could really relate to it. It helped me understand male perspectives and thoughts in a new, unique way. This show is a great advocate for awareness and change."

--St. Louis University Student

"I was very interested in hearing more about the skit presented to the students. As a staff member of the Clayton Family Courts Juvenile Unit female unit, this kind of real presentation of people the girls encounter will help them think about relationships and friendship. Based on group talks I have had with the students, they need more exposure to information about relationship conflict and to how boys think. Please continue and come back and provide this service. It really created an unexpected response-- smiles, frowns, excitement, and a greater interest."

--Patt Adjarety, Juvenile Officer at Clayton Family Courts

"I loved the show-- perfect blend of humor, drama, and presentation of facts! This show is a real eye opener and provides a unique perspective on the movement to end sexual violence."

--Lori Holtmener, Sexual Assault Response Team advocate

"TERRIFIC! POWERFUL!
I'm at a loss for words. This performance is a must-see."

--Tami P., Nursing Student, Goldfarb School of Nursing

"The presentation actually impacted me-- I never really thought about rape and it makes me realize how damaging rape can be...I also thought that the characters you played were very real."

--Bluett High School Student, Age 17

"It was great. Really, The Script is a personal, true testimony to the commonality of violence against women and the great need for advocacy, especially from the young men and women to whom these stories belong....each character in the show was unique, yet entirely relateable and recognizable...I have a great interest in youth in the criminal justice system and I see this show as a great source of hope for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society."

--Laura Childs, SLU Student

"Much luv to the show. I loved the show, it actually touched my heart. Today you helped me actually to find myself. Everyday I try to fit myself into a social box but today your show and your talent have just made me find a part of myself. You should tell the world about what you have to say. You're funny, talented, and educational. Thanks so much for that amazin' show! Much luv. I like how you switched characters, and much emotion."

--St. Louis High School Student, Age 16

"The Script is a riveting and compelling play about the complex social issues associated with date rape. Playwright and actor Tim Collins masterfully portrays the tale of four young men, struggling with long-standing beliefs and attitudes about masculinity, women, and rape. The Script is a highly effective experiential learning activity that engages the audience/students on a deep and personal level and invites both men and women to be part of the solution to end the violence--a must see for all."

--Dorcas McLaughlin, PhD, APRN, CP

For more information, please email:

info@timcollinsonline.com