Staging Conversations – April 2026 Newsletter
RESPECT does many types of programs on a large variety of topics that help support the mental health of students. Regardless of topic, age or format, our overall goal is to get members in the audience to “stage a conversation” with us and with those they trust and care about. This goal is particularly relevant given nationwide concerns regarding youth development related to the ability of students to interact with others “in person.”
Professional consensus is that many students are continually struggling to interact interpersonally with others.
Multiple reasons are suggested as to why “in person” communication skills have become a significant struggle. Some sources suggest a lack of skills due to pandemic enforced isolation that students have not been able to accommodate for. Other sources describe the heavy reliance that students have on digital devices. Still others report concerns of increased social stressors leading to social anxiety. Whatever the cause, concerns are manifested by such behaviors as decreased listening skills, preferring electronic communication to “in person” communication and problems interpreting nonverbal and other social cues. Many students report feeling at a loss as to how to communicate with peers and have feelings of social isolation and anxiety related to interacting with others face to face.
RESPECT programs allow students to “try on” skills required in social interactions. Particularly in challenging situations where big emotions are in play. Theatre presentation allows students to learn and observe how to manage social interactions in a safe environment. There is a certain degree of safety when working through problems that are enacted on stage rather than in real life. Interacting and sharing through role plays that depict real life type scenarios allows students to observe, practice, feel, compare the skills and behaviors that are likely to be successful in interactions with others. Students learn through communication skills through observation and practice what works and what does not.
Theatre grabs their attention and maintains it. The topics (mental health, bullying, dating violence, etc.) are important in their day-to-day lives and motivate them to stay involved in the presentation and interactions after the play. Actual in person interactions and learning support the development of communication skills that so many students report that they need and do it in a way (through in person interactions with the actor educators) that provide vital learning opportunities and the potential for skills that support healthy relationship skills.
RESPECTfully,
Dr. Patricia Newman