THE BYSTANDER PROJECT

What is THE BYSTANDER PROJECT?

THE BYSTANDER PROJECT, Concrete Temple Theatre’s stage adaptation of Young Adult author James Preller’s celebrated anti-bullying novel, Bystander, was commissioned by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation in Fall 2011.  Using traditional theatre as well as original music, shadow puppetry, and projections–as well as a combination of middle school and professional actors–THE BYSTANDER PROJECT tells the story of Eric, who after moving to a new town, must confront the complicated issues behind bullying.

More than just a play, THE BYSTANDER PROJECT also serves as a vehicle for student discussion and a catalyst for getting students and communities to talk about difficult issues surrounding bullying.  Concrete Temple teaches workshops to students on theatrical adaptations and storytelling.  The play features walk on roles for student actors, and comes with a study guide to help foster discussion about the performance.  Additionally, students are encouraged to post comments on this site and give voice to their ideas concerning bullying issues.

Why THE BYSTANDER PROJECT now?

School bullying statistics in the United States show that about one in four kids in the U.S. are bullied on a regular basis. The U.S. school bullying statistics–bullying in school as well as cyber-bullying–illustrate a huge problem with
bullying in the American school system.

In a recent SAFE survey, teens in grades sixth through 10th grade are the most likely to be involved in activities related to bullying. About thirty percent of students in the United States are involved in bullying on a regular basis either as a victim, bully or both.

THE BYSTANDER PROJECT presents bullying realistically and is yet accessible, getting students to talk about the issues facing them.

How to bring THE BYSTANDER PROJECT to your School or Community?

Want to book THE BYSTANDER PROJECT for your community or school?  Click here to find out more.