By Kathy Thomas
A local youth theatre group is challenging teens to face important issues in their lives.
Insight Theatre, using skits written and performed by high school students, is trying to inform and promote discussion among other teens. The group addresses issues such as discrimination, substance abuse, body image and sexual readiness.
“Our main focus is to empower young people to make healthy decisions,” says Shirley Anne Off, co-ordinator of Insight Theatre.
Part of the reason for the group’s success is teens are being educated by their peers. Mark Geobel, vice-principal at Glebe Collegiate high school, says this is an important way to inform students.
“If things are coming to them from students, they are more receptive than if they are just told,” says Geobel. Students will listen to their peers more than an adult teacher or guidance cousellor he adds.
Insight Theatre was founded 15 years ago by Planned Parenthood of Ottawa-Carleton. Over an eight-week training period in the summer, 20 student volunteers took part in drama training and information sessions.
These sessions were held by local groups including the Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre, Youth Services Bureau and the region’s health department.
They ensured the students fully understood the issues they would be discussing. Ten students were chosen to perform.
Rebecca Albert was impressed with the group when they perfomed at her school last year. Albert, now a Grade 10 student at Glebe Collegiate decided to join this year.
“I loved their performance and thought they were very powerful,” she says.
After a performance, discussion groups are often held for students to ask questions. The show and discussion make many students, who would otherwise say “it can’t happen to me,” think about issues, says Geobel.
Erik Smith, an OAC student at Glebe Collegiate and an actor with Insight, agrees.
Students who might avoid certain issues will come up to the actors and ask questions after a performance, he says.
“It’s a fun, efficient, interesting way to get through to people.”
“There’s a buzz after every performance,” Geobel says. “The students carry that energy home and that promotes discussion over the dinner table.”
Insight Theatre’s performances are very emotional says Rebecca Albert’s mother.
“It’s pretty powerful stuff.”
She says the group will be effective because the student actors decide what issues will be discussed each year. They know best of all what teens are thinking about and can therefore reach them she says.
“The parents thought it was marvellous,” he says.
Insight Theatre will be performing at area schools until the end of June.