Theatre, Teens, Sex Ed: Are We There Yet? (the Play)

Fear and embarrassment prevent frank and meaningful communication on the topic of sex. Participatory theatre can break the uncomfortable silence, and with over 700 performances across Canada, Jane Heather's award-winning play Are We There Yet? has been an effective tool for teaching teen sexuality since 1998. The play and accompanying educational program were the subject of a major impact assessment where researchers from many disciplines examined how and why theatre can make change. This comprehensive, well-organized volume by two leading experts in community-based theatre offers a rich diversity of material and analysis. Theatre, Teens, Sex Ed will be a valuable resource for academics, practitioners, and specialist readerships in the fields of theatre, sex education, sociology, and public health.

The play appears in the volume and is available separately as a reproducible PDF. A video production of examples of theatrical participation is included on a pocketed DVD.

Contributors: Shaniff Esmail, Brenda Munro, Tracy L. Bear, James McKinnon, and the Are We There Yet? Community-University Research Alliance.

Jan Selman is Professor in the Department of Drama at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. She directs contemporary and original theatrical work. Jane Heather is a playwright and Associate Professor in the Department of Drama at the University of Alberta. Both have worked extensively creating theatre for change in collaboration with communities.
When the topic is sex, fear and embarrassment prevent frank and meaningful communication between teens and adults. Using participatory theatre can break the uncomfortable silence, and with over 700 performances across Canada, Jane Heather's play Are We There Yet? has been an effective tool for teaching teen sexuality since 1998. The play and program were the subject of a major impact assessment and researchers of many kinds examined how and why theatre can make change. This comprehensive, well-organized volume by two leading experts offers a rich diversity of material and analysis.

The play appears in the volume and is available for separate purchase as a reproducible PDF, and a video production of examples of theatrical participation is included on a pocketed DVD. Theatre, Teens, Sex Ed will be a valuable resource for academics, practitioners, and specialist readerships in the fields of theatre, sex education, sociology, and public health.

Contributors: Shaniff Esmail, Brenda Munro, Tracy L. Bear, James McKinnon, and the Are We There Yet? Community University Research Alliance.