THE SCRIPT, in performance, with TASH!

APRIL 3rd, CRC Auditorium, St. Louis, MO, the Teen Advocates For Sexual Health Present THE SCRIPT:

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES!

JUST CONFIRMED!

THE SCRIPT-- April 11th, Adapt of Missouri, St. Louis, MO

April 26th, with Growing American Youth-- more details TBA

STANDING BY, STANDING UP-- June 26th or 27th, CHARACTERplus Character Education Conference, St. Charles Convention Center, St. Charles, MO

STANDING BY, STANDING UP-- Thursday, October 4th,
Community Action Partnership, Canastota, NY

STANDING BY, STANDING UP-- Friday, October 5th, 6:30 p.m., Morrisville Public Library, Morrisville, NY

Stay tuned for more upcoming performances....

THE SCRIPT & STANDING BY, STANDING UP & DATE LINES, IN PERFORMANCE!

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES!

March 27th, V.V.S. High School, Verona, NY (two performances)

March 27th, Oneida Public Library, Oneida, NY

April 3rd, Central Reform Congregation, St. Louis, MO

April 16th and 20th, Adapt of Missouri, St. Louis, MO

May 4th, Columbia Boone County Health Department, Columbia, MO

May 11th, Kirkwood Baptist Church, Kirkwood, MO

May 16th, Safe Connections, St. Louis, MO

May 25th, Stone Spiral Coffee House, Maplewood, MO

June 21 Congregation B’nai Amoona, St. Louis, MO

August 26th Huston-Victoria University, Victoria, TX

for more show information:

info@timcollinsonline.com

Announcing the all new...timcollinsonline.com!

APRIL 2012

the all-new
www.timcollinsonline.com

stay tuned for more details...

STUDENTS COMMENT ON "THE SCRIPT"

"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

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, 2012

This month is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month... here's a few words from our President, regarding this important month:

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month reflects our Nation's growing understanding that violence within relationships often begins during adolescence. Each year, about one in four teens report being the victim of verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual violence. Abusive relationships can impact adolescent development, and teens who experience dating violence may suffer long-term negative behavioral and health consequences. Adolescents in controlling or violent relationships may carry these dangerous and unhealthy patterns into future relationships. The time to break the cycle of teen dating violence is now, before another generation falls victim to this tragedy.

Though many communities face the problem of teen dating violence, young people can be afraid to discuss it, or they may not recognize the severity of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Parents and other adults can also be uncomfortable acknowledging that young people experience abuse, or may be unaware of its occurrence. To help stop abuse before it starts, mentors and leaders must stress the importance of mutual respect and challenge representations in popular culture that can lead young people to accept unhealthy behavior in their relationships.

Our efforts to take on teen dating violence must address the social realities of adolescent life today. Technology such as cell phones, email, and social networking websites play a major role in many teenagers' lives, but these tools are sometimes tragically used for control, stalking, and victimization. Emotional abuse using digital technology, including frequent text messages, threatening emails, and the circulation of embarrassing messages or photographs without consent, can be devastating to young teens. I encourage concerned teens, parents, and loved ones to contact the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 or visit www.LoveIsRespect.org to receive immediate and confidential advice and referrals.

My Administration is committed to engaging a broad spectrum of community partners to curb and prevent teen dating violence. The Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women supports collaborative efforts to enhance teens' understanding of healthy relationships, help them identify signs of abuse, and assist them in locating services. Resources are available at: www.OVW.USDOJ.gov/teen_dating_violence.htm. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also provide tools to help prevent dating violence among teens. More information is available at: www.CDC.gov/ChooseRespect.

During National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month -- and throughout the year -- let each of us resolve to do our part to break the silence and create a culture of healthy relationships for all our young people. Adults who respect themselves, their partners, and their neighbors demonstrate positive behaviors to our children -- lessons that will help them lead safe and happy lives free from violence.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 2011 as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. I call upon all Americans to support efforts in their communities and schools, and in their own families, to empower young people to develop healthy relationships throughout their lives and to engage in activities that prevent and respond to teen dating violence.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

Upcoming Performances of THE SCRIPT and STANDING BY, STANDING UP...

January 24th-- Standing By, Standing Up at Maplewood-Richmond Heights High School, Maplewood, MO

January 27th-- THE SCRIPT and Standing By, Standing Up at Chaminade Preparatory College, St. Louis, MO

February 1st-- THE SCRIPT at St. Louis University, School of Nursing

February 10th-- Standing By, Standing Up at the Healthy Americans Resource Fair, Flo Valley Community College

March 20th-- THE SCRIPT-- details TBA

for more info on any of these performances, email: info@timcollinsonline.com

An Evening Of Theater, Community, and Violence Prevention

An Evening Of Theater And Community To Prevent Violence, at the Regional Arts Commission, December 1st, 2011...

Thanks to all who participated to make a great evening!

RESERVE YOUR SEATS FOR DECEMBER 1st, & ST. LOUIS KIDS MAGAZINE INTERVIEW!

Book your seats today for AN EVENING OF THEATER AND COMMUNITY TO PREVENT VIOLENCE!

314 651 2078

leave a message stating:

You name

Number of seats

Phone number

Or, email: info@ timcollinsonline.com

See you on the 1st!

St. Louis Playwright Uses Theater to Help End Cycle of Violence

by Nicole Plegge on 11-28-2011

On December 1, parents and teens alike are invited to join Tim Collins for two powerful plays – The Script, which explores society’s misconceptions about dating violence, and Standing By, Standing Up, a closer look at the bullying epidemic.

From The Color Purple’s Celie to Miranda Lambert’s “Gunpowder and Lead,” the entertainment world has shined a spotlight on the issue of domestic violence, raising awareness through the eyes and voices of the women who live it every day.

Yet few ever get inside of the minds of the men who commit physically and sexually violent acts to explore why they believe violence is acceptable and how they justify their terrible actions - Information that could help stop the cycle of abuse.

Here in St. Louis, schools and nonprofits alike have welcomed actor and playwright Tim Collins to their stages. Through his one-man performance, The Script, Collins is using his heartfelt words to assist in ending dating and domestic violence before it starts. And on December 1^st, he’ll perform this celebrated play, along with his new work, the anti-bullying Standing By, Standing Up, at the Regional Arts Commission for a night of art and awareness.

The Story behind The Script

Like most individuals, Collins was aware there’s an issue of domestic and dating violence in this country, but it wasn’t until he began discussing the topic with the women in his life did the enormity of the epidemic take shape. Every female friend, every female family member had a story that hit close to home, whether it affected her acquaintance, her roommate or even herself.

Explained Collins, “No man I knew would say to me, ‘I wouldn’t feel safe walking by myself or running in this park.’ Men have a sort of privilege; they feel safe all the time. Women have to have a battle plan even if they’re just walking out of their house. They always have to have something prepared just in case – that’s a horrible way to live. I thought there surely must be something I could do to help.”

As an actor who studied at Marlboro College and Arts ED UK, Collins decided to direct his talents toward advocacy. Putting pen to paper, the playwright crafted The Script to target domestic and dating violence. The 40-minute play goes inside the minds of four young men in the wake of a sexual attack on a female classmate. Through his characters, Collins exposes the misconception of blaming the victim and explores how one’s inability to handle challenges to his masculinity can set him on a dangerous course toward violence.

In the past two years, The Script has not only struck a chord with theatergoers, but has grown into a critical teaching tool for a network of schools, nonprofits and other agencies across St. Louis. Collins regularly performs The Script for a variety of audiences, including students as young as eighth grade, as well as adults who themselves have been abusive to their partners.

Collins believes exposing the flaws of his characters is what has turned a passive theater experience into a passionate and educational conversation between himself and the audience. “I like portraying misinformed characters who say – this is what I believe – to get the audience to react and disagree with me. By showing all levels of understanding across the spectrum – from ignorance about domestic violence to some kind of enlightenment on the issue, that’s where the dialogue happens. I want my characters to change their limited viewpoints and hopefully the audience will learn alongside them.”

The Next Show in a Series

With the success of The Script, Collins decided to expand his reach in Fall 2011 with Standing By, Standing Up, which targets the reasons behind and consequences of today’s bullying epidemic. While Collins initially created the show to target middle and high schoolers, agencies encouraged him to expand it to children as young as fourth grade – a sad realization about the severity of the issue.

Yet, through Standing By, Standing Up, audiences discover ways to end bullying in their organizations. “I hope I created a show that lets kids look at the system of violence in their schools, and think, ‘Can I step in?’ ‘Can I identify people who are being bullied, but don’t have the skills or emotional knowledge to stop it?’ ‘Can I help create an environment where people are helped instead of hurt?’”

On Thursday, December 1, Collins will perform both The Script and Standing By, Standing Up at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd., at 6:30 p.m. The night will also feature a Resource Fair and Panel Discussion featuring local violence prevention agencies. There is no cost for the event, but donations will be accepted. Organizations who wish to have Collins perform at their facilities can contact him through www.timcollinssoloperformer.blogspot.com.

Moving forward, Collins is continuing to affect social change through his work on two new performances examining mental illness and sex education. “There are so many issues out there, from suicide prevention to heroin abuse,” he remarked. “There’s an infinite amount of shows, and an infinite number of agencies in St. Louis. I am so excited to be sharing my work with them to help others.”

By Nicole Plegge, Lifestyle Blogger for SmartParenting

From www.breakthecycle.org

A recent study found that dating violence is prevalent among "Tweens," adolescents between the ages of 11 and 14. The research found:

* 1/2 of tweens have been or are in romantic relationships
* 1/2 of teen girls with prior relationship experience report being victims of verbal, physical, or sexual abuse
* 1 in 5 American tweens who have been in a relationship reported knowing a friend who had been struck in anger by a boyfriend or girlfriend
* More than 1/2 of teens who had sex before the age of 14 experienced high rates of violence or abuse in relationships

Check out this great website for more information on the reality of dating violence!

SEXUAL VIOLENCE STATISTICS

Statistics about sexual violence from
the Center For Disease Control website:

"In a nationally representative survey of 9,684 adults:
10.6% of women reported experiencing forced sex at
some time in their lives,
2.1% of men reported experiencing forced sex at some
time in their lives, and
2.5% of women surveyed and 0.9% of men surveyed
said they experienced unwanted sexual activity in the
previous 12 months.

20% to 25% of women in college reported experiencing an
attempted or a completed rape in college.

In a nationally representative survey:
60.4% of female and 69.2% of male victims were first
raped before age 18.

In a nationally representative survey:
In the first rape experience of female victims,
perpetrators were reported to be intimate partners (30.4%),
family members (23.7%), and acquaintances (20%).
In the first rape experience of male victims, perpetrators
were reported to be acquaintances (32.3%), family
members (17.7%), friends (17.6%), and intimate
partners (15.9%).

Based on national emergency department data, sexual
assaults represented 10% of all assault-related injury visits to
the emergency department by females in 2006."

THE SCRIPT ON TOUR!

You can catch the next performance of THE SCRIPT at The Stone Spiral Coffee House in Maplewood, MO, on Thursday, May 19th at 7 p.m.

The Stone Spiral
2500 Sutton
Maplewood, MO 63143
(314) 335-7388

Don't miss it!

CHECK "THE SCRIPT" BLOG FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT THIS INFORMATIVE AND POWERFUL ONE-MAN SHOW...

Check back soon for more details about upcoming performances, tour dates, photos, and video from THE SCRIPT, a one-man show addressing the issues of dating violence, men's self-esteem, bullying, and peer pressure!

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

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

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!

Tim Collins On Tour!

Check out www.timcollinsonline.com for all the most recent tour dates and newest info...

New Updates on www.TIMCOLLINSONLINE.COM!

Check out http://www.timcollinsonline.com/ for the newest links and
details about Tim Collins, Solo Performer, on-line now!

"THE SCRIPT" ON THE ROAD AND ON YOUTUBE!

The Script, a one-man show addressing the issues of dating violence and sexual assault is gearing up for a tour in late Summer, early Fall. Stay tuned for more details, including video clips on YouTube! For more info, check out www.timcollinsonline.com!

THE SCRIPT 2010!!

THE SCRIPT 2010--

Check back here often for all the latest news about upcoming performances of this exciting and educational one-man show!