Recently, we spent the day with Torrey Hills’ 4th, 5th, and 6th graders, running Act Like You Matter: Anti-Bullying Empowerment Workshops. This is the third school in the Del Mar Union School District that we’ve had the pleasure of working with. Here are some of the bullying scenarios Torrey Hills’ Principal, Ms. Stanton, and Assistant Principal, Ms. Sleet, chose for us to perform for their students and a few highlights from the day. Click on any picture to see a larger version.
Intimidation:
We get the feeling that David (middle) has been bullying Josh (left) for a very long time. At this point in the scene, David has found an important paper for class that belongs to Josh. He holds it just out of Josh’s reach and dares him to come take it. In the background, Izaiah (right) has stumbled upon the situation but is afraid to intervene. Later, after David leaves, Izaiah demonstrates how easy it can be to help the target of bullying, even if it’s after the encounter. (This scenario is available on our YouTube channel; click this link to watch the entire scene.)
Name Calling – Resolution: From Bystander to Upstander:
After deliberating about whether or not they should intervene, Shelby (left) and Josh (right), decide they should help Alex (seated) rather than waiting around and hoping someone else will do something. They demonstrate a simple 3-step strategy that anyone can use because the focus is on the target; Shelby and Josh don’t even talk to the bullies. They validate Alex as worthwhile in front of the kids who are bullying her and then ask her if she wants to hang out. The bullies – Chase, David, Lexie, and Izaiah (left to right) – are completely confused about what’s happening. Check out the expressions on their faces.
Rumor Spreading & Isolation:
In this scene, Lexie (middle) makes up lies about the new girl in school, Chase (not pictured), telling Alex that Chase’s family had to move because of something terrible Chase did. Lexie implies that Chase has been kicked out of more than one school. Other students overhear what the girls are talking about and start spreading the rumors. Later, after some encouragement from a friend, Chase stands up for herself and tells Lexie and Alex the real reason her family moved: her dad got a new job! Lexie and Alex realize that Chase is not such an easy target, so they decide to leave her alone.
Demeaning Athletic Ability – Resolution:
When David (right) hears Josh (not pictured) picking on Izaiah (left) – accusing him of being the reason their soccer team always loses – David intervenes. He stands up for Izaiah, and Josh leaves. At this part of the scene, David asks Izaiah if he wants to meet up at the park and practice passing.
TOP actors Alex, Sonia, Izaiah, Josh, David, Shelby, Chase, and Lexie
Look what we found during our lunch break – a piano! Izaiah and David took turns playing songs, and we couldn’t resist singing. We even had an audience, as some of the students gathered and listened during their lunch period.
Throughout the day, there was lots of participation from the audience. Torrey Hills’ students submitted great questions for us to answer. We wish we had more time for Q&A – that’s our favorite part of the workshop!
Thank you again to Ms. Stanton, Ms. Sleet, Torrey Hills’ 4th, 5th, and 6th grade teachers, and everyone who welcomed us into your school. We loved working your students!
Would you like to bring Theatre of Peace’s anti-bullying workshops and assemblies to your school? You can! Click this link to learn more about our empowering programs.