THE SCRIPT: March 2011

"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.

Monday, March 21, 2011

More St. Louis University students talk about THE SCRIPT...

"Through humor and facts, Tim really makes an impression on you. Each of his characters are expressed well.

The characters are easy to relate to the current perspectives of men.

You should perform this for high school or junior high students."

--Emma, SLU Student

More St. Louis U. Students share their thoughts about The Script...

"The show was amazing. It was very real and it showed topics that not many people hear about but what alot of people/youth need to hear.

The show wasn't just saying "rape is wrong," but it gave a great account of each character and how the rape of their friend effected them.

The Script is Great Great Great!"

--Sasha, SLU Student

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Saint Louis University students share their opinions on The Script...

"I thought the show accurately portrayed what happens a lot in high school and college. Many times, girls can see it and know what guys are thinking, but it is hard for the guys to acknowledge that their feeling towards women might be wrong, sometimes.

I liked how many different types of people were portrayed. It is not just the popular kids who talk about girls this way, but any guy can have degrading thoughts towards women.

I just think this show would be so effective in a high school setting. The Script really gets you thinking."

--C.G., SLU Student

More SLU Student Comments on THE SCRIPT

More Saint Louis University student feedback on The Script...

"So effective! What an impact this show would make at high schools. You held my attention the whole time.

The different characters you played were really relatable. I could almost pick out a guy I know to play all those parts.

I really appreciate you taking a stance on the topic of rape. If just more people would stand up for change like you have."

--C.T., SLU Student

"It was a delight to watch, very identifiable. The male characters--it was like walking through high school.

You really showed what issues and demands are put on young men. It makes you feel for them in their situations.

I like the humor/jokes. It was entertaining."

--M.G., SLU Student

Monday, March 14, 2011

SLU Students Discuss "The Script"

"The show was very eye-opening, it addresses a problem that affects all young adults, no matter what economic status.

All of the characters were relatable to someone I knew in high school. This show highlighted how a male's view towards woman is really dependent on their relationship to women.

I absolutely loved this show and feel that it would greatly benefit high schoolers."

--Valerie Bogutski, SLU Student

SLU STUDENTS SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS...

More thoughtful feedback from Saint Louis University Students about The Script...

"I absolutely loved the show! It was witty and well-played. All of the characters were so well developed and had such depth that I could relate to each of them.

The relatable nature of the show really made it effective for me. The statistics from the websites and the shock that the character "Jay" felt when reading them to the audience was eye-opening.

I think The Script is so great because it can reach so many different groups of people from all backgrounds.

You were truly impressive! Continue with your mission--you're doing great work!"

--Erin R., SLU Student

"The show was very moving, lots of enthusiasm. I feel that the show impacted myself in that these issues occur more than what we are made aware of, and the show made me aware of action that we portray verbally and physically.

It was interesting to see the different male characters. I could relate to men I know who act just like the people you played. I felt that it was good to express how some men view women as objects and not people.

Great show!"

--Red, SLU Student

Students Comment on THE SCRIPT

"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.

The complexity of the characters gave a depth to the show that is accurate and relates to both men and women. GREAT JOB!"

--Anonymous SLU Student

"It was SO amazing to hear a male's experience, opinions, and thoughts about this issue. Experiences like the one portrayed in the play happen very often, and if more men saw this show, I have a strong feeling the world would be more educated about violence.

I could relate to the show. I grew up playing ice hockey with a ton of boys, and the incident you portrayed in the play happened on numerous occasions in my hometown.

It was nice to see four different characters develop into becoming aware of women's feeling and thoughts.

GREAT JOB, Tim! Your insight and knowledge will make a difference in this world."

---Abby Martin, SLU Student

"I loved it! I wish everyone I know could see it! You were so great at taking on the roles of the characters! It made me realize how things like pornography can destroy men's minds and put these ideas in men's minds about how women want to be treated when it is NOT close to the truth.

I could relate all the characters to people I know."

--Rheana Naber, SLU Student

Friday, March 11, 2011

THE SCRIPT at Saint Louis University!

March 9th--

The Script returned to Saint Louis with a performance at Saint Louis University!

Here's some of the thoughts and insights that students in the attendance had to share about The Script:

"I thought it was fabulous. As a woman, it was interesting to see a side of guys that most of the time women don't see....I loved the character "Chris," and what Chris said about how he didn't fit into the "box people tried to put him in"...but how could anyone define who you are, when we are still trying to find ourselves, everyday? It was so helpful that we were able to relate to the boys in the show...the ending of the show was perfect!"

--K.C., SLU Student

"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

Tim is working with SLU professor Dr. Dorcas McLaughlin as she teaches a class on Violence in Family Systems. Dr. McLaughlin was generous enough to include The Script into the class curriculum. We'll be posting more comments from the SLU show over the next few days...and check back here soon for more tour dates, video clips from the show, and more!

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