Cal U hosts discussion for high school students after ‘Heathers: The Musical’
Student actors in California University of Pennsylvania’s recent production of “Heathers: The Musical” stepped out of character to reveal personal dramas they faced while in high school.
Members of the cast appear in a video that was shown to high school students, who were on campus Friday to view the production, which addresses bullying, suicide and school violence.
“We wanted to be respectful of these issues,” said director Dr. Michele Pagen. “This is heavy stuff.”
The video, in which cast members discuss their own experiences with dating violence, homophobia and suicide, helps provide context for the show, which is unapologetic and graphic, said Pagen. While schools are always invited to performances, the nature of the production called for more in-depth discussions, she said.
Students from Ringgold, Albert Gallatin and South Allegheny high schools spent the day exploring the darker side of school culture. Abbey Sager, founder of the Diverse Gaming Coalition, talked to them about her comic series, “Life on the Outside,” part of an anti-bullying campaign. Over lunch, students heard a panel presentation by Cal U. faculty with expertise in sociology, counselor education and academic services.
Pagen said the event would show students that there are safe places to have difficult conversations.
Courtesy of Kelly Tunney
Courtesy of Kelly Tunney
Kayla Grimm, a senior theater student at Cal U., answers a student’s question about themes of domestic violence in the musical “Heathers,” in which she played a leading role. In the background are panelists, from left, Abbey Sager, Elizabeth Larsen, Emily Sweitzer, Elizabeth Gruber and Marnie Hall.
Cast members and students in the counselor education program sat among the high school students to allow for smaller discussions.
Amber Kirschner and Jessica Jacobs, graduate students in counselor education program, helped organize the event. They compiled study guides and online resources that were distributed to students.
Borrowing a line from a song in the musical for the day’s theme, #ThatCouldBeBeautiful, Kirschner and Jacobs said it speaks to the hope that even in difficult times, things will get better.
“We want to show them that life does get better after high school,” said Jacobs, “and that college is completely different.”
While, at first, students were hesitant to ask questions in front of 150 peers Friday, once they did, they were met with support in the form of enthusiastic applause.
“We’re hoping to start a spark to get the fire going,” said Kirschner. “Students are dealing with several deep issues now, including bullying and gun violence. Hopefully, these kids will talk to other kids, who will talk to other kids.”
To view the video, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEoaAfUecFg&feature=youtu.be.
Courtesy of Kelly Tunney
Courtesy of Kelly Tunney
Director Michele Pagen, at podium, answers high schoolers’ questions about themes of bullying in the musical. Students from Ringgold, Albert Gallatin and South Allegheny high schools were on campus Friday to discuss the production.