Coachella Valley Repertory performs anti-bullying plays for local students
One group of theater students is taking a stand against bullying — a problem they say they have all experienced in our local schools. The Coachella Valley Repertory is performing a show called “The Bully Plays” — an effort to showcase different forms of bullying on stage and start a conversation with students on how to prevent it in real life.
The show is forty minutes long and features four separate ten minute plays, each one demonstrating a different kind of bullying and the very serious consequences. Ron Celona, the founding artistic director, says the response from students has been different this year and the show has been a huge success.
“I’m definitely going to do this again…pick four different plays…because A) it keeps their attention more and B) we’re able to deal with four different forms of bullying so that if we didn’t reach a kid through one form, we’ve got them on another,” said Celona.
The plays take on the harsh but realistic issues students face today, addressing peer pressure, suicide, sexual predation and depression.
Trisha Valdez, one of the main actresses, says her friends bullied her in school — an experience that she wants to use to help others.
“It definitely did inspire me to participate in this play because i know a lot people they get bullied and they don’t say anything about it or they just act tough,” said Valdez.
Elijah Cross, an actor in the final play, says he grew up bullied in several foster care homes. He says getting involved in theater changed his life.
“It definitely plays a big role in what I do as an actor and what I do as a person. And that’s when throughout middle school I was definitely bullied and then in high school I figured it was time to get involved…to do something,” said Cross.
After the show, the actors have a Q&A with the audience. Students say “The Bully Plays” definitely left an impact on them and their peers.
“A lot of these plays…I learned the importance of friendship and how words can damage so much…each play had such an important valuable message and the fact that I was privileged enough to come and see it really opened up my eyes,” said Melissa Perez, a middle school student.
“I can relate and I can…if I saw someone doing that…I’d go up to them and tell them, ‘They aren’t your friends.’ I can be your friend and I can help you because I’ve been through those things and you’re not alone,” said Natalie Araujo, another middle school student.
Coachella Valley Repertory also let students know about a local resource available to them: an anonymous bully-reporting service called Sprigeo — where students can report bullying, threats, harassment or any safety concern and authorities will investigate. To file a report, click here.
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