New Supplemental Programs to Sex Signals Now Offered!
Although Sex Signals continues to make a powerful
impact at colleges as a stand-alone program, only so many of the program’s
themes can be explored in depth within the 75-minute time frame of the show. Also, as the show is interactive, individuals
in larger audiences may not have as much of an opportunity to become personally
involved (as some individuals’ participation in the show can be a key element
in the impact of the messages within themselves and the group) as they may in
smaller groups. For colleges and
universities seeking a more in-depth discussion and exploration of issues such
as communication and consent in interpersonal relationships, Catharsis
Productions highly recommends one of the following supplemental programs.
“LET’S
TALK ABOUT SEX… MAYBE?” POST-SHOW
DISCUSSION PROGRAM
This 1-1 ½ hour program will occur immediately following the
presentation of "SEX SIGNALS." The presenters will facilitate a
discussion on the issues of the show, allowing for a more in-depth
conversation. Larger groups will be broken up into smaller groups for
individuals to then share their thoughts on some of the themes touched upon in
the program, in particular how the roles of language, media, and experience
play in understanding and navigating sexual relationships. Questions from the Post-Show Discussion
worksheet and the presenters will assist in guiding these conversations. Time permitting, small groups may be asked to
brief the larger audience on some of their conclusions. Presenters will further stress the importance
of relevant research on acquaintance rape, the impact of gender-role
socialization, understanding the nature of consent, and the criminal definition
of rape. The session will conclude with
a general Q&A session.
This program is designed for all who attended the show, and want more
discussion.
Price: $600 (in conjunction with Sex Signals)
INTENSIVE
PRE-SHOW WORKSHOP- “TRAIN THE TRAINER/FACILITATOR”
This workshop is designed to teach peer leaders how to
manage their own post-show discussion of Sex Signals. Typically, this
workshop precedes the performance, and provides the skills necessary for peer
leaders and/or faculty and staff to break down issues of the show and give
students the opportunity to have a more in-depth conversation about concepts
they found particularly controversial or meaningful. This workshop is NOT
designed to be a date rape/sexual assault awareness program for individuals who
have not had previous exposure to these issues. It is also not a
“train-the-trainer” program for peer educators; it is focused solely on
preparing facilitators to debrief the Sex Signals performance, and
enable students to have dialogue on the issues highlighted during that program.
Participants will be given basic facilitation training and
learn how to facilitate discussions on the following issues:
1. The impact of sex-role socialization on dating expectations. The Post-show Discussion worksheet will be
used as a reference guide for open discussion.
2. The ways in which language, media, gender role stereotypes, and other
cultural issues affect our perceptions of consensual sex, rape, and rape
victims.
3. The use of powerful sexual assault statistics.
4. The elements of the criminal definition of rape.
5. The elements of Rape Trauma Syndrome, and basic, limited, first responder
skills to employ if a victim of rape discloses to one of the trained
participants during the course of a private or public discussion of this issue.
This session will be led by the presenters, and will run approximately two
hours. This program is highly
recommended to schools that have peer educators and will be inviting “Sex
Signals” to perform in front of more that 300 students.
Price: $800 (in
conjunction with Sex Signals)
TRAIN-THE-TRAINER WORKSHOP
This workshop is designed for peer educators or other
students and staff who are currently delivering sexual violence prevention
programs or tasked with facilitating discussions around related issues. It
focuses on breaking down date rape myths, using statistical information in a
tactical, engaging manner (as opposed to the mere recitation of data), and
overcoming key obstacles to discussion of this sensitive topic. This workshop
is not suitable for individuals without training or presentation experience, or
those without general knowledge about sexual assault. Workshop size is limited
to 25 participants. This workshop is led by Gail Stern, Education Director of
Catharsis Productions. The program will run two to three hours.
Price: $1500
ADVANCED TRAIN-THE-TRAINER WORKSHOP: USING
HUMOR TO TEACH
This workshop is designed for more seasoned peer educators
and faculty/staff, and identifies key strategies in using humor to break down
the tension that arises from discussing this issue, as well as utilizing it to
encourage critical thinking about gender issues and violence. Participants must
have a significant amount of training experience and knowledge about sexual
assault. This workshop is limited to 25 participants. This workshop is led by
Gail Stern, Education Director of Catharsis Productions. The program will run
two to three hours.
Price: $1500
Sex Signals Marketing and Promotional Ideas
Thank you for your interest in bringing the sexual assault awareness program, Sex Signals, to your campus. In order to maximize the effectiveness in drawing audiences, we offer a few suggestions that have served other schools well in the past. You may already be implementing many of these ideas, but we hope you still find this useful.
1. Use the enclosed posters as a way of promoting the event. They’re big, they’re fun, the word “sex” is all over them—they’re designed to get attention and provoke conversation. Feel free to duplicate any of the large posters or call for more.
2. Bill the program to the general student body as an interactive show about dating and relationships. We’ve found that marketing the program as a sexual assault awareness program discourages potential audience members from attending—most people don’t flock to that kind of thing unless they’re already “converted.” By marketing it as a dating show, you’ll probably get more interest and excitement. Also, the play is structured to engage students by first using humor to explore sex role stereotypes and the awkward nature of interpersonal communication before entering a candid conversation about the realities of sexual assault. We’ve found that even when the issue of acquaintance rape comes as a surprise to some audience members, they are more open to the discussion since the program’s structure makes the topic much less threatening and uncomfortable than they might expect.
3. Feel free to use some of the quotes from our one-sheet, but we advise to not duplicate our one-sheets and use for direct marketing (as too much of the show is described losing the element of surprise). If you need catchphrases beyond those found on the poster, the play has also been described as “An interactive show that explores the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of the college dating scene.”
4. Inform faculty, coaches, staff members, and student leaders of the benefits of the program and invite them to make the event mandatory or as an extra credit assignment for their own students or those they represent. Feel free to describe the purpose of the show to those responsible for the educational benefits of certain student groups and organizations. Such areas of interest in this type of program might be those in sociology, psychology, women or gender studies, American culture, education, communications, nursing, and many others. Making the event mandatory to other student groups such as RA’s, peer educators, freshmen, etc., will also maximize attendance.
5. Encourage the Greek system to participate. Offer this program as an ideal opportunity for members of some fraternities and sororities to fulfill some self-enforced educational requirements or outreach projects.
6. Contact local organizations or institutions that might share in the interest, such as womens’ shelters, rape crisis centers, law enforcement, even high schools. (Note: Although the material certainly relates to many teenagers, it may be too candid for the comfort of some high school officials.)
7. Schedule it in conjunction with other events on campus. The show can work around any sex or relationships theme, from Sexual Assault Awareness Month to Valentine’s Day.
8. Offer prizes at the event as an alternative incentive to draw audiences. Contests, giveaways or raffles held at the event always are a pretty good bribe.
9. Feel free to contact us at Catharsis Productions anytime (O. 312.294.8905 or C. 312.933.8703) for any sort of pre-show press information or interviews to help market the show in a local or school newspaper or periodical. We just love talking so setting up an interview is encouraged.
The show has proven to be a hit with educators and students alike, many being surprised at how entertaining and thought provoking such a show can be. The biggest complaint we’ve heard thus far from many student activity boards is how much they wished they could have gotten more students to see the show. We will happy to perform in front of 5 or 500, but the larger the crowd (ideally 100 to 250 people), the more fun and interactive this show becomes. As you’ve probably already experienced, none of the above ideas guarantee “filling the house,” but they may give you other avenues of marketing when attendance is a concern.
Good luck, thanks again for inviting us, and we really look forward to laughing and learning with you soon.
Sincerely,
Christian Murphy
Gail Stern
Catharsis Productions
Sex Signals
Keep the People Talking
Since
“Sex Signals” is only a seventy-minute show, it can only do so much to effect
change in the way we all think about dating and date rape. To maximize the benefit of the show, we
advocate follow-up forums led by professors, counselors, or peer
educators. By breaking audiences down
into smaller groups following the show (ideally, immediately after the program,
but it can be anytime that is most advantageous), students can have even more
in depth discussions on the topics raised by the program.
Here
are some questions to get the discussion going:
·
What parts of the show “Sex Signals” really affected you? Why?
·
How true was the show in the way it dealt with sexual stereotypes and
what our culture expects from men and women?
·
How does the language—the words we use to describe something—change the
way we view it:
o
What is the difference between “rape” and “sex”?
o
How do other common words used to describe sex-- “screw,” “nail,”
“bang,” etc.-- affect our perceptions of sex and thus our behavior?
o
How does the language we use to describe sexually active men and
sexually active women affect our preconceptions?
·
What messages does our culture send us about how to “act” like a woman
or man? What role does the media (i.e.,
television, film, music, advertisements, etc.) play in supporting or delivering
these messages? How powerful are they?
·
Does our culture tend to blame victims of rape? In what ways?
Why does our culture do it?
·
Why is it so difficult to talk about sexual limits? What do we risk? Do these risks outweigh the dangers of
getting hurt or hurting someone? Why or
why not?
·
What sexual signals do you give?
How could you improve your sexual communication skills?
Of
course, feel free to add any other questions you think might stimulate
conversation. Also, you are always
invited to contact us at Catharsis Productions (312.294.8905) to help you
design a follow-up discussion. We look
forward to seeing you soon!
CONTRACT RIDER
FOR SEX SIGNALS
This Rider is attached to and made part of contract, dated
__________, between Catharsis Productions (hereafter referred to as PRESENTERS)
and _______________________ (hereafter referred to as PURCHASER).
All term and provisions hereinafter and herein before set
forth part of one and the same contract.
PRESENTERS will provide the following:
1.
One
full-length presentation of Sex Signals.
2.
Poster
templates and other promo materials that may be photocopied or used as press
releases by PURCHASER. At least one
PRESENTER will also be available for radio ads, newspaper interviews, etc.
PURCHASER will provide the following
(NOTE: This requirements listed
below are quite detailed, but are essential in maintaining the quality a
PURCHASER should expect from the presentation):
VENUE
REQUIREMENTS:
1.
Stage should
have a minimum playing space of 8’ x 12’ and should be on risers or a
stage. The program is ideally presented
in a theater or concert hall, but can also be produced in other venues, e.g.,
lecture halls, club settings, or classrooms.
2.
Sex Signals CANNOT be
performed in the following venues:
CAVERNOUS CHAPELS (chapels with high ceilings where the acoustics are
such that voices echo throughout the room), GYMNASIUMS, CAFETERIAS, SNACK BARS,
OR RECREATIONAL ROOMS (when food is being served), OR RECREATIONAL ROOMS OR
ATRIUMS THAT WOULD GET ANY THROUGH TRAFFIC DURING THE TIME OF THE PRESENTATION.
The program must be presented in an enclosed space without the threat of
peripheral disruptions. The topics and
material covered within the program demand a certain type of controlled
environment that assist the presenters in creating a safe space for discussion. Spaces with poor acoustics, and spaces that
are open to foot traffic from people who are not attending the presentation,
can hamper the presentation and effectiveness of the messages. The show is best experienced in a more
intimate setting with decent acoustics. PRESENTERS will NOT present a program that is
set in one of the aforementioned venues.
SET-UP/ TECHNICAL
REQUIREMENTS
1.
Two light, but
sturdy, armless chairs.
2. If performing to over one hundred audience members and/or
performing in a large space that usually requires a sound system, TWO CORDLESS,
LAVALIER MICROPHONES will be needed for the PRESENTERS. (Lavalier microphones are small microphones
that are attached to the presenters’ shirts or lapels.) Due to the physical
nature of the show, handheld microphones CANNOT be substituted for
lavaliers. PRESENTERS would prefer not
to use headsets as a substitute for lavaliers. In addition, one cordless,
handheld microphone is requested for the introduction of the presentation, but
is not required. If there is a problem supplying this equipment, please contact
PRESENTERS before the date. If
PURCHASERS cannot provide lavalier microphones, PRESENTERS WILL limit the size of the audience to one hundred.
If a sound system is required, a set-up and sound
check with a technician (provided by PURCHASER) should begin 60 minutes before
showtime. If PURCHASER can provide a CD player with sound system, PRESENTERS
will provide pre-show and post-show music.
3.
STOP Cards (a 5x7 sheet of paper with the word “STOP” typed in bold
across the paper horizontally) must made for every audience member. Before the show, these cards should be taped
against the bottom of the audience’s chairs, ideally so that audience members
will not see the cards until they are instructed to find them during the
program. The side of the card with the
word “STOP” on it should be taped facing the underside of the chair to ensure
that the word “STOP” CANNOT BE SEEN BY THE AUDIENCE.
4.
If the show is performed in a large space that seats more people than
hosts are expecting, PURCHASERS are encouraged to block or tape off rows of
seats near the back of the house.
Audiences should be directed to sit as close to the stage as possible,
and prevented from having the option of sitting in the balcony or in the back
of the venue.
5. Four cold 20 oz. bottles of
water for pre-show preparation and presentation.
6.
One private, secure dressing room or secure area for PRESENTERS’
belongings and pre-show preparation.
PRESENTATION
EXPECTATIONS
1.
Limits on the
size of an audience must be made to maintain the integrity and interactive
quality of the program. PRESENTERS will
not perform the show for an audience size in excess of 400
people. The size for more specialized audiences, including fraternities and
sororities, student-athletes, and military academies, must be limited to 300
audience members per show. PURCHASER
is highly encouraged to book multiple presentations if an audience size is to
exceed this capacity. In special circumstances, PRESENTERS may
perform a presentation for an audience that exceeds this capacity, but
PURCHASER must first receive written authorization of this from the
PRESENTERS. PURCHASER must be
responsible for respecting our limits on audience size.
2.
PURCHASERS
should be aware of the interactive and provocative nature of this
presentation. The tactics in this
program have proven to be powerfully effective with most audiences. The show assumes that audiences have common
sense, and know the difference between encouraged, enthusiastic participation
and disrespectful disruption. Nonetheless,
some audience members can abuse the participatory aspect of the show and become
unruly. The PRESENTERS have been trained
to handle challenging interaction and feedback from diverse audience
perspectives. However, the PRESENTERS
expect the cooperation of student leaders, faculty members, and staff at
keeping the interactive nature of the show positive rather than
distracting. PRESENTERS and PURCHASERS
are encouraged to eject particularly
disruptive audience members. In
worst-case scenarios, PRESENTERS reserve the right to stop the show if they
feel threatened, or if an audience has effectively stopped the show through
their disruptive behavior.
3.
PRESENTERS
will need to know from PURCHASER the nature and location of sexual assault
resources (e.g.,
4.
Audience
members should not be allowed to stand in the back of a venue or block aisles
or exits during the presentation. In
addition to fire hazards, exits and aisles must remain clear as the
presentation may bring up unexpected emotions for survivors of sexual
assault. For their emotional well-being,
they should be able to leave the program if they need to without the potential
obstacle of people blocking their exit.
5.
The
presentation contains some explicit and even crass sexual language. The language is intended to reflect and
comment on the way many people talk about sex in our society. Previous audiences have found this approach
to be refreshingly candid and effective.
If you have concerns, please contact the PRESENTERS, as slightly
altered, more conservative variations of Sex Signals are available. A specialized introduction is also available
so that PURCHASERS can alert more sensitive audiences to the presentation’s
content.
6.
No part,
portion, or segment of any performance may be broadcast or reproduced by either
audio or video means. PRESENTERS reserve
right to cancel this performance with at least twenty-one days prior notice
without any obligation or liability, in the event either presenter has been
called upon to render services in connection with a theatrical motion picture,
television or radio endeavor, or other performance related to his or her career
development.
7.
PURCHASERS are
encouraged to review attached “Marketing & Promotional Ideas” document to
effectively promote and market Sex Signals.
TRAVEL
AND MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
8.
Two comfortable, non-smoking rooms at a reputable
hotel (e.g., the caliber of Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites, Holiday Inn,
etc.) or comfortable on-campus housing
(e.g., guesthouse) often needed the night of the presentation. Since many PRESENTERS travel continuously
throughout the year, PRESENTERS prefer lodging that provides free internet
access, breakfast, and/or laundry facilities.
On some occasions when travel between schools and presentations is
tight, PRESENTER may request lodging close to a local airport for early flights
the morning after a presentation.
9.
PRESENTERS request, but don’t require, local
transportation to and from airport, venue, and/or accommodations (if
applicable). If representative of
PURCHASER cannot provide transportation, very specific directions to above
locations should be provided with a reimbursement of PRESENTERS’ costs for
transportation.
10.
Approximately two weeks before the presentation,
PURCHASER should expect to be contacted by one of the two PRESENTERS who will
be presenting Sex Signals. This individual is the designated liaison for
that program. To make this contact easier, PRESENTERS request additional
contact information below for the PURCHASER representative who will be hosting Sex
Signals.
a.
Name and phone
number (if different than one listed on contract):
_________________________________________________________________________
b.
Contact cell
phone number:
_________________________________________________________________________
c.
Contact e-mail
address:______________________________________________________
d.
Contact
preferred method of communication (please circle):
Main phone Cell phone E-Mail Any
1.
PRESENTERS request, but don’t require a meal before the presentation.
PRESENTERS welcome and encourage representatives of PURCHASER to join them to
better get to know the university community
2.
PRESENTERS request, but don’t require two t-shirts (one small and
medium or large) with PURCHASERS’ school name or logo printed on them.
3.
PRESENTERS request, but don’t require any reviews, articles, or press
related material concerning PRESENTERS to be forwarded to Catharsis
Productions.
AGREED AND ACCEPTED:
_________________________________________________________________________________
Purchaser Date
________________________________________________________________________________
Artist Date
Represented by: Bass/Schuler Entertainment, 4001 W. Devon,
Catharsis Productions,