May Program Agenda

The Council meets on the second Thursday of each month at 8:00am at the
Alpert Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted

Program:

"How the Process of Theatre Strengthens Positive Social Behaviors For At-risk Youth"

Speaker:

Melissa Denton, Program Manager for The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company

The UNUSUAL SUSPECTS Theatre Company has been working with at-risk and institutionalized youth for over 15 years. During the 12-week Theatre Program youth learn to create a play together through improvisation and creative writing. By playing various characters the youth gain different perspectives by stepping into roles they create. In order to work in collaboration with their peers, the youth learn to develop and maintain an environment of safety, creativity and trust. The theatrical program challenges the youth to set goals for themselves and self reflect on their accomplishments. The empowerment the youth receive comes from their commitment to the process and to themselves.

Keynote

The UNUSUAL SUSPECTS one-hour interactive theatre workshop will demonstrate positive strategies used to create an environment of trust essential for self-expression. Learn how theatre techniques and exercises strengthen good listening skills, pro-social behavior and self reflection. Discover a sense of pride and self-esteem as creative individuals.

Opinions expressed are those of the speaker and not necessarily those of the Council and its membership.
For information about End Abuse Long Beach, please visit www.EndAbuseLB.org or contact the Program Chair:
Paul Sharpe (562) 434-1345 or email Paul@EndAbuseLB.org

Unusual Suspects
End Abuse Long Beach Presentation
May 8, 2008
How the process of theatre strengthens positive social behaviors for at-risk youth

8:30  Welcome & Introductions                Melissa
Overview of US History & Population    Sally
Overview US program structure              Melissa

8:40  Circle up for name game                   Melissa
Inquiry: What skills did you use to participate in this game?
Scribe answers on post-it                        Sally

8:50  Ensemble building: Group Counting      Melissa
Inquiry: What skills did you use to interact in this game?
Scribe answers                                        Sally

9:00  Introduction to Improvisation:  Rules oflmprov
One Word Stories         Melissa
Inquiry: How does this exercise create teamwork?
Scribe answers  Sally

9:10  Yes and exercise                 Melissa
Melissa & Sally model exercise
Inquiry: How does this exercise strengthen communication?
Scribe answersSally

9:20  Read letter from Minor          Sally
Inquiry: How does the process of theater provide natural buffers for abused & neglected youth?

9:22  Q & A