STRONG TOGETHER
interactive anti-bullying theatre for schools
Designed for grades 3-6
Builds empathy, safety, and respect
Engages imagination and creativity
Research-based
Professional performing teams
20 years’ experience in schools
For information about the original No More Bullying program, click here.
What happens in a STRONG TOGETHER presentation?
In an inclusive, respectful atmosphere, students speak about witnessing or experiencing bullying.
Professional performers act out their stories on the spot.
Students explore practical, effective steps that bystanders can take.
STRONG TOGETHER is a 40-minute presentation with three professional actor-leaders, focusing directly on empowering bystanders to take positive action. It takes place right in the classroom, with three or four sessions per day. Contact us to book a program or schedule a free demonstration! Email info@hudsonriverplayback.org or call 845 255 7716.
Based on research, STRONG TOGETHER enhances approaches such as the Olweus program and PBIS. It grows out of Hudson River Playback Theatre’s original No More Bullying program which has served over 35,000 students in the Mid Hudson region since 1999. Our program is now used with children in NYC, Montreal, Vancouver, Japan, and elsewhere.
STRONG TOGETHER performers have backgrounds in professional theatre, education, and the helping professions. Most have been carrying out Playback Theatre-based anti-bullying programs for at least 10 years.
Comments from students :
I learned what to do in a bullying situation as a bystander.
I learned that even if a person is different they could be cool.
I think it’s helped me realize what other people go through.
I learned that being yourself is not a crime.
It helped me stop being a bully.
Comments from administrators:
“With ingenuity, energy, and knowledge of the task at hand, you created an interactive learning environment where students felt safe enough to take risks in regard to a difficult social issue. You were very sensitive to the needs of our students, and I think your ability to ‘read’ them and to connect to the topic in an inviting way is commendable.”– Dr. Hasna Muhammad, Assistant Principal, Monroe-Woodbury Middle School, Monroe, NY
“…The scenarios were timely, quite relevant, and portrayed incidents that affect our pupils. What is unique about Hudson River Playback Theatre is its ability to elicit stories from the children and to immediately enact them. Equally meaningful are the strategies for resolving conflict. The troupe members elicit the strategies from the pupils and demonstrate how they could be used. Quite powerful!
[The school] was also privileged to have Playback Theatre make a presentation to parents. The parents were most appreciative of this opportunity.” — Dr. Edward Sullivan, Principal, Chancellor Livingston Elementary School, Rhinebeck, NY
“We noticed how the process of telling stories and seeing them enacted promoted both empathy and empowerment. These performances enhanced the impact of the Olweus program.” — Barbara Schnell, Principal, Woodstock Elementary School, Woodstock, NY.
CONTACT US TO BOOK A PROGRAM OR SCHEDULE A FREE DEMONSTRATION!
Training for Playback Companies
Published articles about HRPT’s anti-bullying work:
“Using Theater to Address Bullying”
Standing Up: Playback Theatre and School Bullying