I liked that the actors were really involved in what the audience thought and were feeling. We learned to have more courage in standing up to bullies for ourselves and for other students. — Fifth Grade Student

Youth is a crucial time to develop conflict resolution strategies. Once adopted, these strategies can stay with students through middle and high school as well as in social situations outside of school.

Say Something, Do Something is an interactive and immersive program that uses participatory theater techniques to build critical thinking, decision making, and interpersonal skills to help students think about how to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence.

Students witness a recreated scene based on real-life situations they experience, then have the opportunity to actively help the target of the scene’s conflict. Students interview characters to develop a deeper understanding of what influences people to make these negative choices. They are invited to replace the actors, re-play the scene, and improvise their own strategies for a more positive outcome. After this rehearsal for real life, students will be better equipped to recognize potential conflict in their schools and take action to create a culture of non-violence.

Celeste Grayer, School Social Worker, St. Louis Public Schools, said “Say Something, Do Something provided a new perspective and gave the children a chance to practice and have an open discussion. The students loved that they were able to interact and be a part of the conversation. They all learned something new and were able to see it in action.”

This program is primarily designed for 4th - 6th grade students, as studies show that building resiliency around issues of violence at this age is optimum to achieve long-term success. However, the program has been adapted for other age groups upon request.

If you’re interested in bringing Say Something, Do Something to your school, contact Hailey Medrano at hailey@metroplays.org.

Say Something, Do Something
By Jason J. Little
Directed by John Wolbers
Education Director: Karen Bain
Facilitators: Tyler White and Gen Zoufal
Actors: Kentrell Jamison, Alicen Kramer-Moser, Carl Overly Jr, and Chrissie Watkins
Production Stage Manager: Jimmy Bernatowicz

This year’s installment of Say Something, Do Something is particularly exciting, as it has been selected by the National Endowment for the Arts for one of only 14 Research in the Arts grants in the country. So, classrooms participating in the fall will not only directly benefit from the program, they will be part of a study that will have the potential to benefit young people all across the country.

“Say Something, Do Something is a great way for kids to walk in someone else’s shoes and see what situations look and feel like from a different perspective. I remember playing the role of a bully. During the hot seat portion where kids are able to ask questions to each character about the scene, this girl asked my character why she was taking out her frustrations on the target character. I responded in character, 'Don’t you ever have bad days?' and she didn’t respond. She sat and reflected. Later on, her teacher came up to me and said she was happy for that interaction because that girl was similar to my character and she believed the Say Something, Do Something program had reached her in some way. This program is not a quick fix, but it is a gateway to have open conversations about empathy, humanity, and understanding." — Chrissie Watkins, Say Something, Do Something actor

“The best part of this program is seeing the kids come up with solutions for issues we tackle everyday and being able to bring theater to kids who might not have an opportunity to experience it otherwise.” — Chris E. Ware, Say Something, Do Something actor and facilitator

"One of the things that always stuck out to me is how well I could see young people find effective ways out of difficult situations. We were always able to see it unfold right before our eyes. I still think about some of the creative strategies they came up with. I'm glad to have been given the chance to work on such a great project." — Michael Pierce, Say Something, Do Something actor

"I loved every moment of Say Something, Do Something. Getting a chance to shape the minds of youth in a positive way has been so fulfilling to me as an actor and as a parent. The life lessons that young people are getting from this program is very valuable. I wish had a program like this growing up! Say Something, Do Something is making the world a better place! I believe that this program needs to be in every school from elementary through high school. How we prepare today shapes our tomorrow. Our children are the future." — Jason J. Little, Say Something, Do Something actor