Bergen County: Reflections Teen Theater Program and Rise: Reflections Interactive Summer Experience.

County of Bergen

Department of Human Services

Division of Family Guidance

One Bergen County Plaza, 2nd Floor

Hackensack, NJ  07601

Phone: (201) 336-7350

Fax: (201) 336-7370

http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/familyguidance

REFLECTIONS and RISE Teen Improvisational Theater Programs

What is Reflections?

Reflections is a volunteer teen theater program that runs throughout the school year to prepare and present improvised scenes on a variety of topics and timely issues. The purpose of the performances is to provide a forum for discussion.

Topics include but are not limited to, bullying, self-esteem, peer pressure, decision-making, prejudice, parent/teen communication, dating, divorce, sexuality, substance abuse and more.

After the scenes are performed, cast members stay in character and engage in an interactive discussion with the audience, facilitated by the Reflections supervisor. During the interactive part of the program, cast members will improvise variations suggested by the audience, providing viewers with the opportunity to learn alternative ways of handling situations. At the end of each performance, cast members come out of role and share their own personal thought on the issues addressed.

What is RISE?

RISE (Reflections Interactive Summer Experience) is a program like Reflections but is offered only in the summer.

What are the Outcomes?

Reflections provides audiences with a creative way to discuss sensitive material. The theatrical mode invites open, honest communication while serving as an innovative teaching tool. The content of the troupe’s performance can be tailored to fit the specific concerns of the audience. Performances lead to better understanding of the issues confronting both teenagers and adults.

Who Can Join Reflections?

Reflections welcomes Bergen County teens (grade 9-12) who are seeking creative ways to explore social issues in a supportive atmosphere and can make a commitment to a community service.

Members do not need a background in drama, however they should be comfortable being spontaneous and working in a group. Participation in Reflections includes attending weekly rehearsals and performing on a regular, rotating basis. The program is flexible in other extracurricular activities. Contact Reflections for an application.

Who can join RISE?

Bergen County teens who have just completed 8th grade those who just graduated high school, who would like to spend time over the summer, learning improvisation, participating in performances and workshops and meeting other teens with similar interests. Cast members can participate as little or as much as their summer schedule allows.

Contact RISE for an application.

Reflections and RISE Performances:

*Range from 45 to 90 minutes including interactive discussions

*May include up to three different topics

*Facilitate discussion on a variety of issues.

*Are geared towards adolescents and adults.

*Range in audience size from 15 to 100 people.

*Can be scheduled during the days, weeknights or weekends for school assembly programs, community groups, parent associations, combined parent/child audiences, conferences, staff training and summer camps.

Workshops:

Reflections and the RISE programs are available to conduct hands-on, interactive workshops that will provide your group with an experience of learning improvisational games and theatrical skills to address adolescent issues.

County of Bergen

Department of Human Services

Division of Family Guidance

Mission Statement

Bergen County’s Division of Family Guidance provides clinical, residential, educational, correctional, case management and monitoring services to at-risk children, adolescents and families, particularly those who are otherwise unable to receive needed services.

The Family Guidance Vision: The Division of Family Guidance is Bergen County’s resource for youth and families in need.

Values:

*Collaborative, Creative and Empirically Driven Programming

*Safe, Respectful, Dependable, Therapeutic Environments

*Developmentally Appropriate Expectations

*Empowerment through Opportunity

*Community Safety

Contact:

Staci Block, Supervisor

REFLECTIONS and RISE

Phone: (201) 336-7361

Fax: (201) 336-7370

SBlock@co.bergen.nj.us

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Bergen County pamphlet from REFLECTIONS and RISE. I have never used the service before so I have no opinion on it. Please call the above numbers or email them for more information.