Random Acts
An Educational Play by Michael Dowling
**Recipient of the Massachusetts Alliance for Arts Education Award for Champions of Arts Education**
For PDF brochure, click HERE
In collaboration with The Chester Theatre Company
“Random Acts” is a fast-paced, fun play that uses real-life stories to examine the physical and psychological repercussions of hazing in schools. The show focuses on the everyday, less conspicuous acts of bullying that, when unchecked, can easily escalate into real violence. Engaging students through comedy and relatable characters, this play also stimulates thoughtful discussion about important topics they encounter daily in the news and in life. Playwright Michael Dowling developed this play from private interviews with high school students and his experiences working with teens-at-risk.
“Random Acts” takes us through two days at a fictional high school where our characters face issues that are universally relevant to students in grades 6-12:
-Bullying
-Loneliness
-Pressure from Peers, Parents
and Teachers
-Pressure to Achieve
-Pressure to “Fit In”
Testimonials
Educators say:
“Random Acts was a powerful vehicle to continue a difficult but important conversation about acceptance and respect at Lee Middle and High School.”
-Kerry Burke, Principal, Lee High School, MA
“Your students will get more from this hour than they could get from a number of counseling sessions.”
-Tina Higney, Teacher, Ware High School, MA
“Random Acts presents the causes and effects of bullying on everyone involved from the assailant to the bystanders… Well done!”
-William Mahoney, Principal, Hopkins Academy, MA
Students say:
“After the play, kids were nicer to each other. You really saw a difference.”
-Student, Gateway Regional High School, MA
Program Details & Booking
A performance of Random Acts runs approximately forty minutes and is followed by a brief discussion facilitated by the actors.Students will be encouraged to frankly discuss issues that they face, which may include:
-the face of bullying at their school
-how they deal with it
-what moments or characters in the play resonated with them and why
-the pressures they have the most trouble with in their daily lives
-what they can do to approach these pressures more constructively
Pricing
-$600 per show, $1000 for 2 same-day shows at one school, or $1,400 for 3 same-day shows at one school.
-**Incentive** Out of the first 10 schools to book the show, 1 school will be drawn for a free show!
Full script available upon request.
To contact us, click here.