Spell it R-E-S-P-E-C-T

by Julie McNally

As the new school year approaches, parents and students begin to worry about back-to-school sales, team try-outs, schedules and … bullying.

Bullying at school is as old as the No. 2 pencil, but one local organization seeks to face it head on. R.E.S.P.E.C.T.2. is addressing the problem by bringing people in Nebraska communities and schools together to teach children and youth how to build healthy and respectful relationships. They do this with unique programs that incorporate plays, role-playing and improvisational theatre to examine relationship dynamics.

The material covered in each training session is tailored to be age-appropriate for the students attending. “We have nine different plays that go all the way up to high school and college-age,” said Artistic Director Nick Zadina, himself an award-winning actor. “The kids really relate to the plays.”

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