Who are the PG-13 Players?
The PG-13 Players are teen actors from high schools in Middle Tennessee. Each year, they develop and perform new skits dealing with teen issues such as sexual decision making, stereotypes & prejudice, depression, healthy relationships, sexual assault and body image - all topics of concern to teens and to the adults who care about them. Through their dramatic presentations, teen issues are not just talked about, they’re brought to life!
What happens during a PG-13 Players performance?
The program consists of a series of short skits. The situations presented are left unresolved so that audience members may then question the actors, who remain in character for the discussion. By exploring the motivations, feelings and choices of the characters, the audience participates in helping them make responsible decisions. The goal of the PG-13 Players is to not give out easy answers, but to explore options and increase sensitivity in dealing with real-life situations.
PG-13 Players Topics
Each year the PG-13 Players develop skits on several issues that affect teens. For 2008-2009, the topics are:
I Thought You Should Know: Taylor is a closeted gay teenager attempting to navigate the pressures of high school and family. When Taylor is about to confide this secret to a friend, everyone learns that another gay student is getting beat up by his classmates. What will Taylor do?
You Used a Condom, Right? Haley and her partner have been dating for six months and decided to have sex. Despite their friends’ concerns, they feel good about their decision. That is, until truths from the past force them to confront their behaviors in their current relationship and their outlook on the future.
Who Wouldn’t Want a Perfect Body? Arielle used to be close with her friends but lately she’s growing distant and becoming more and more critical of herself. One friend attempts to support her, but realizes that misconceptions about body image are tearing apart this group of friends! Will they survive?
You Need to Relax: It’s not easy growing up when one parent abuses alcohol, and Rian can testify to that struggle. Yet while at a party with friends, Rian is encouraged to use drugs and alcohol to “relax.” Will Rian give in, or is there something disturbing about this situation?
It’s Complicated – She’s Amazing: Michael is completely in love with Tracy, at least, he thinks he is. One minute Tracy’s happy and laughing, and then Tracy gets angry and starts to cry. But aren’t females emotional? And more than that, how much work should go into a healthy relationship?
Schedule a Performance
The PG-13 Players can come to your school, church, synagogue, community center, or agency. To schedule a performance, contact Planned Parenthood at 345-0952 and ask for the Teen Theatre Coordinator. A fee of $175 is requested for a performance; however, special rates may be negotiated.
Join the PG-13 Players
Open auditions are held each spring for dedicated high school students wishing to join the troupe; no drama experience is necessary. Training takes place during the summer and the performance season begins in September.
PG-13 Players receive financial support from The National Council of Jewish Women, Nashville Section. For more information, contact Planned Parenthood’s Teen Theatre Coordinator at (615) 345-0952.
Why Peer Education?
Research indicates that teens receive most of their information from other teens, but unfortunately much of this information is inaccurate and can contribute to inadequate health care and risky behaviors. Due to the high rates of STIs and teenage pregnancies in the United States, peer education programs are necessary to help America’s youth obtain accurate sexual health knowledge and engage in fewer risk behaviors. Studies have shown that people are more likely to hear and personalize messages, and thus to change their attitudes and behaviors, if they believe the messenger is similar to them and faces the same concerns and pressures.[1, 2]
1. Sloane BC, Zimmer CG. The power of peer health education. Journal of American College Health 1993; 41:241-245
2. Milburn K. A critical review of peer education with young people with special reference to sexual health. Health Education Research 1995; 10:407-420.
