NCJ Number
167079
Journal
Adolescence Volume: 31 Issue: 124 Dated: (Winter 1996) Pages: 783-796
Date Published
1996
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The Chicago-based Music Theatre Workshop's Under Pressure Program is an innovative communication-centered approach for involving Chicago elementary and high school students in considering the problems and prevention of substance abuse. This article describes the program and assesses its impact on adolescents' attitudes about substance abuse, its consequences, and prevention.
Abstract
Live theater is used as a means of stimulating thought and discussion among adolescents on topics related to the effects of substance abuse in their lives. A 30-minute professional and contemporary live musical play, "Captain Clean," was performed at three Chicago high schools (grades 9-12). In general, students in these schools had been judged to be at risk for drug problems by school administrators and by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Students' responses to issues highlighted in the play were examined through ethnographic procedures used during role playing and discussion immediately following the performance. In addition, written comments were collected from the students 2 weeks after viewing the play. The amount of interaction and level of student response show that live theater is an effective means for stimulating both thought and discussion pertinent to the effects of drugs in the lives of adolescents. In addition, analysis of the students' responses reveals an unmet need for individual counseling, a pervasive ignorance of the legal consequences of drug use, the importance of family as a source of information and support, and an expressed concern for their own futures as well as those of their peers. 9 references