Theatre for Community Health is an exciting way to communicate health and wellness messages across the campus. Since 1991 TCH has produced peer education outreach productions that tour WMU classrooms, residence halls, and nearby campuses. Themes for the productions include discussion of sex and healthy relationships, the college alcohol culture, and diversity issues.
Student actors in TCH become nationally certified peer educators. Performances are often followed by talkback sessions on the health topic covered in the production. Academic credit is also available from several programs for those who wish to participate.
Message from the coordinator:
Hi, and thank you for your interest in Theatre for Community Health. If you like to perform and are interested in the health and welfare of the WMU campus community, TCH could be a great opportunity for you. In addition to developing scripts and audience, TCHers are trained in the latest theories of social marketing. We attempt to present health topics and introduce behavioral change by raising the awareness of social norms.
Performances
In the 2012-13 academic year we will be presenting:
Great Sexpectations is a play that explores a variety of topics and concerns for college students regarding discovering their sexual identity. The play begins with a group of peer educators in the FIREplace preparing a program for a rally raising awareness for sexual assault and sexual health. As they rehearse their different acts, there are moments of reflection within the group on their own experiences with relationships, first times, coming out, STIs and sexual assault. The play offers comedy, music and lots of information. Performance schedule:
11/5 Henry 8 p.m.
11/6 Ackley/Shilling 8 p.m.
11/7 Harrison Stinson 8 p.m.
11/8 Bigelow 8 p.m.11/12 Burnhams 8 p.m.
11/13 Zimmerman 8 p.m.
11/14 TBA 8 p.m.
11/15 TBA 8 p.m.
Real Buzz covers the challenges students face while navigating the party culture. Real Buzz takes a look at the typical characters that may be found at parties and questions extreme behavior that sometimes seems idealized in the media. By contrasting binge drinking with more normal drinking behavior it seeks to help students know that it is okay to be safe and sober or to chose not drinking at all. Performance schedule:
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday November 5
Sangren 2730
2 - 3:15 – 123Sangren 1920
3:30 - 4:45 – 83
5 - 6:15 – 68
November 6
Bernhard 157/158
9:30 - 10:45 – 88
11 - 12:45 – 81
12:30 - 1:45 – 100November 7
Sangren 1920
4 - 5 –126
5:15 - 6:15 – 97November 8
Bernhard 157/158
9:30 - 10:45 – 86
11 - 12:15 – 80
2 - 3:15 – 89
4 - 5:15 – 100
5:30 - 6:45 – 72November 12
Sangren 2730
2 - 3:15November 13
Sangren 1920
3:30 - 4:45 – 124
5 - 6:15 – 62
A musical play about body image and eating disorders examines the life we lead when we're obsessed with food and how we look in today's society. Written by Christine Iaderosa, music by Adam Schumaker.
Guerilla Theatre
This includes flash mobs, flash notes, living statues, and everything else. TCH reaches out across campus delivering the message of health, safety and respect in unexpected ways. You never know where you might see us, but we’ll be coming up with new projects throughout the year.
Want to be part of Theatre for Community Health?
Email Dr. Iaderosa for information on auditions and how to join.
Dr. Christine Iaderosa
Theatre for Community Health
(269)387-3126
christine.iaderosa@wmich.eduWhat's in it for me?
- Academic credit (optional)
- Certification as a peer educator
- Lots of fun and activity
- Making a positive change on campus
What's the schedule like?
- 2 to 3 rehearsals a week for six weeks (usually in the evenings)
- 15 to 20 performances over 4 weeks (with breaks)
- Last week of classes and exam week are off
- Approximately 150 hours/3 credit load
Do I have to have acting experience?
Acting experience is not required but it helps. More important is a willingness to try new things and step out of your comfort zone. Most important is the commitment to the troupe in terms of being memorized when required, being on time for rehearsals and performances and supporting fellow cast members.
Contact information
Dr. Christine Iaderosa
Theatre for Community Health
(269)387-3126
christine.iaderosa@wmich.edu
CPR classes
Bronco HealthAdvisor
