“Am I normal?” Such a simple question for an adult. But for a middle-schooler, growing up can be hard. Peer pressure, puberty, self-esteem issues and depression can all be difficult to navigate, especially for those in middle school.
On January 23rd, Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre visited Redwood Middle School in Napa and performed “Nightmare on Puberty St.”
A fast-paced show featuring current music and dance, “Nightmare” encourages students to talk about critical health issues and ask questions around issues that are all too real, like peer pressure, bullying, relationships, depression, puberty and self-esteem.
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The show is geared towards sixth through eighth graders and follows characters Jerry, Malika, Natalie, and Nick as they navigate the rollercoaster of adolescence.
For students, difficult information is presented in a fun format and questions are always encouraged.
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“We want you to feel good about yourselves and the changes you are going through,” said Eric Gutierrez, Jerry in the show, as he spoke to the crowd of seventh graders during an informal question and answer session.
Students asked about puberty, if what they were experiencing was normal and questions around relationships.
The performers stayed and answered everyone’s questions and left behind wallet cards with helpful websites and the contact numbers to the California Youth Crisis Hotline and the National Child Abuse Hotline in addition to encouraging students to also speak to their parents about any issues they may be having.
Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre has served Northern California youth and families in school and community settings since 1986.
Educational Theatre offers five different shows in Northern California, each of them aimed at a particular audience:
o “The Best Me,” has two versions, both of which promote healthy eating, active living and limiting screen time; for grades K-6.
o “PEACE Signs” stresses non-violent conflict resolution and respect for others; for grades 3-6.
o “Nightmare on Puberty St.,” which examines peer pressure, thoughts of suicide, first feelings of sexual attraction, and effective communication with peers and parents, is aimed at grades 6-8.
o “Secrets,” about HIV, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, is aimed at teens and young adults.
o Community Troupe uses larger-than-life mascot characters, short pieces of theater and an obstacle course to convey health information to youth and adults at health fairs, community gatherings and other events.
For more information on Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre, visit: www.kp.org/etp.
