The play's over, the question-answer time with the actors is over. Now it's important to make time for student processing and reflection: to think about what they saw, talk about it, respond to a quesionnaire, write in their journal, draw a picture, write a monologue from the point of view of one of the characters, create their own scene. And imagine how this experience has informed or changed their viewpoint, their outlook, maybe even their life.
from a student newsletter february 2010
"Two members of the Improbable Players performed for our student body. Seeing Amie and Adam looking young, beautiful and healthy one would never know they were recovering addicts...Some topics they acted out were getting clean and having a relapse. Amie portrayed a housewife who could not make it through the day without a drink...." Read the rest of the article.
from a college faculty member
"I appreciate that the professional theatrical excellence of your performance is what helps bring the scenarios to life, but feel certain that in the end it is your candid directness, your willingness to share your individual vulnerability and strength that connects you to the individuals in your audience"
a teacher said,
"The students were riveted by the performance. They felt the actors were authentic, accessible, and direct. The acting troupe more than adequately handled the students' questions, responses and comments. The fact that the actors were themselves former substance abusers was the defining characteristic that brought so much realism and forethought to their performance. Our students were obviously impacted."
a student said,
"I wanted to thank you for all you've done, it will save a life someday. The Improbable Players got their message across in a way that really clicked for me. I already knew alot of the information you told us, but it never meant anything to me before...one of them even had a story similar to mine."
email from a student
January 2006: "I just wanted to let your company know that after your performance at my high school in Boston, over a month ago, I really started to think about changing my ways. I had become very dependent on alcohol at just 14 years old, and your performance made me realize how it had really contributed to my depression instead of helping me forget about my pain.
I actually went to the showing for the humor spin of it, but I didn't expect it to really change how I wanted to live my life. Ever since that day, I have stopped drinking. Anyways, I just wanted to thank your company because even though when it was done, there were people in the hallways saying they bet no one was influenced, but i truly was."
