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THE
NITESTAR PROGRAM/STAR THEATRE
V O I C E S O F Y O U T H
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Unlike generations before them, today's youth face a tremendous
number of challenges. They are frequently confronted with issues
of sex and sexuality, domestic and teen violence, substance abuse,
and multiple health threats, including teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS
and sexually transmitted diseases. New HIV infections are increasingly
occurring among young people. In fact, one-quarter of all new HIV
infections in the United States are estimated to occur in young
people under the age of 25. Clearly, young people are in tremendous
need of access to confidential health services and health education
that target these issues.
The NiteStar Program/STAR Theatre provides important and relevant
health information to youth using a non-threatening approach. In
compelling, unforgettable fashion, The NiteStar Program/STAR Theatre
addresses the difficult decisions and situations faced by young
people, clarifying issues, changing attitudes and promoting healthy
behaviors.
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The NiteStar Program/STAR Theatre, founded in 1988 by Executive
Director Cydelle Berlin, PhD, offers a range of programs aimed
at helping young people confront the realities of HIV infection
and AIDS, as well as a host of other sexual and social issues.
Programs and services include:
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STAR
Theatre and post-performance interactive facilitation
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NiteStar
TOO! |
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Technical
Assistance and Training |
The
use of theatre in education has been proven to be a powerful
tool for social change. It can strengthen the emotional and
psychological appeal of the messages and provide a credible
and compelling vehicle to explore sensitive issues with young
people.
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 STAR
Theatre uses drama and peer education to help guide pre- adolescents,
adolescents and young adults as they confront the many challenges
of growing up in the age of AIDS. The productions, which are culturally
appropriate and age-specific, seek to diffuse myths among young people,
provide HIV/AIDS awareness, help youth to make informed decisions,
provide options for changing attitudes and prejudices, and create
opportunities for behavioral change.
Immediately following each performance, a trained facilitator/health
educator hosts a question-and-answer session between audience members
and the actors, who remain in character. This critical component of
the program serves to reinforce the public health messages and provides
audience members with ideas and models for problem-solving and healthy
decision-making.
 STAR
Theatre Productions The companies of STAR Theatre perform for
youth, parents and health care providers in schools and community
agencies throughout New York City and nationwide.
There are currently five presentations, each 25 to 40 minutes in length,
performed by two theatre companies. The shows are designed to address
the developmental stage and cultural orientation of the audience and
are tailored to the needs of the host school or agency.
| Grades
5 and 6: |
Aimed at 10 to 12 year olds, this show addresses pregnancy prevention,
HIV/AIDS, as well as issues of puberty, gender equity, divorce,
abuse and substance use. |
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| Grades
7 and 8: |
Bridging the gap between elementary school and high school,
this show responds to the specific developmental needs of early
adolescents, and addresses decision-making about sex and learning
how to make smart choices. |
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| High
School: |
Targeted at high school youth, these two productions offer a
realistic perspective for adolescents bombarded by peer pressure,
affected by hormonal changes, and faced with decisions that
can lead to risky behaviors. The shows focus on decision-making,
negotiation for safer sex, and sexual health. |
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Adult/College: |
Geared to older youth and young adults, this sophisticated show
focuses on HIV/AIDS, pregnancy prevention, safer sex, communication
and gender equity. |
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shows and music of STAR Theatre are all original—created
in collaboration with the young people who comprise the theatre
companies. These specially trained actors represent a diversity
of cultures, ethnicities, socioeconomic status and sexual orientation.
Performances are arresting and evocative—serving to defuse
myths, heighten awareness and transform prejudices among impressionable
youth. To date, these unique theatre productions have reached
more than one million people. |
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NiteStar TOO! builds on the STAR Theatre performances by providing
a multiple workshop series which focuses on achieving attitude
and behavioral change. The format involves a performance followed
by several weekly, interactive small-group sessions. |
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 NiteStar
staff provide technical assistance and training in educational theatre
methodology to organizations with youth prevention programs, as well
as to HIV prevention planning groups and community-based youth providers.
Technical assistance and training is provided through:
Conference Sessions Staff develop and conduct workshops, present
lectures, perform programs, facilitate plenary sessions, and develop
conference tracks for local, regional, national and international
conferences.
 NiteStar
Sponsored Institutes Twice a year, NiteStar holds regional and
national institutes featuring a range of workshops, networking opportunities,
performances and individualized technical assistance.
Individualized Technical Assistance Technical assistance is
available to organizations that are developing their own theatre programs.
Skills Building Training Workshops Workshop sessions include:
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methods for creating effective productions and culturally and
age-appropriate theatrical material; |
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role playing; |
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script development through improvisation; |
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facilitation methods; |
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ensemble-building skills; and |
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creating effective health education messages through theatre. |
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Technical Assistance Program of NiteStar is supported by a grant from
the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention of the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC). NiteStar is the CDC's only technical assistance
provider for performing arts and HIV prevention.
Training Materials The following materials are available for
purchase by youth providers:
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A
training video and manual. |
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On
the Edge—a widely acclaimed, original 11-part video
series with leader's guides. The series targets junior high
and high school students. |
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Taking
Stage—a book by Cydelle Berlin, PhD and Ken Hornbeck
presenting the philosophy of educational theatre and detailing
the process of building and sustaining a health-oriented theatre
company for young people. |
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