THE SCRIPT: 08/04/09

"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.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Students Comment on "The Script"

The fourth of four performances for incarcerated teens at Juvenile Family Courts in Clayton, MO, was in the girl's unit--a small but attentive audience of students and staff. We had a lively post-show discussion about the issues and impact of dating violence and sexual assault, and one of the students was generous enough to share her thoughts about the show:

"I think this show tells a really true story about how dudes think and their true feelings. I feel that everything happens for a reason. Everyone learns their lessons in different ways. The story shows us and tells us why men think of women the way they do." --Age 16

Performance of "The Script" at Blewett School

I had the opportunity to perform The Script at the Blewett School in St. Louis on the 30th of July. This performance, in conjunction with St. Louis City Family Courts, was for twenty-five high school students, many of whom were generous enough to share their thoughts and opinions about The Script:

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

"I think the show is something people can relate to and understand and show their feeling with comedy." --Age 15

"Great acting! I really felt like I was in the play!" --Age 15

"It was a good show for one man to go from person to person. It was good." --Age 14

"The show was great, and funny how one person could play so many characters. I wish I could do that someday." --Age 14

"I really enjoyed the one man show!" --Age 15

"I liked how you acted out the characters and how you made different facial expressions."
--Age 14

"I liked the acting. You were into it and you made it look real. Some of the jokes were funny. Plus, you gave us more information about rape and why boys do the things they do, and then realize the things they do could be happening to someone they know and are close to."
--Age 15

"My feedback on your solo performance is that it was amazing. If I were you, I would feel kind of weird and scared, but I really dig the act. It was funny, but not funny with the rape situations. That's my opinion. You should keep going!" --Age 15

"What I thought about it was that it was a good act." --Age 15

"It was a good show for only one person." --Age 14

"Hi, I'm 14, and I loved the show. I never saw someone do a one-man show before. And I liked it because you are so good at what you do." --Age 14

"It was a really funny show and kept me on the edge of my seat." --Age 15

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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