Education Program

Education

SPCS Role Players Education Program FAQs

SPCS Role Players

Our popular ensemble, the SPCS Role Players, uses interactive theater to help audiences learn about difficult issues impacting their lives. The ensemble consists of trained role players -youth to senior citizens - who perform lively role plays that illuminate issues and engage audiences.

Problematic situations are brought to life by the role players who remain in character throughout the program. Through a process of skilled facilitation, the role players and the audience interact with each other. The audience gains new insights and acquires useful tools to effectively solve the problems they face in their own lives. SPCS Role Players recently received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Peacemaker Award for commitment to the non-violent solution of problems.

Please contact the Director of Interactive Theater, Marie Sirakos, at 607-272-1505 to find out how you can schedule or become a Role Player! Fees for programs are on an affordable sliding scale.

What audiences are saying about the SPCS Role Players:

“What a great way to explore heavy issues!”

“We were all impressed by how real the scenarios felt.”

“The role play provoked thoughtful insights on the part of the audience.”

Fees for programs are affordable. Please contact the Director of Education and After Trauma Services at (607) 272-1505 to set up a program for your organization.

A community resource library with books for all ages on crisis, trauma, suicide, homicide, depression, self-injury and grief is also available through this program. Community members may access the SPCS Lending Library during our regular business hours or by appointment. Please contact the Director of Education and Crisis Services at (607)272-1505.

The Education Program of Suicide Prevention & Crisis Service teaches skills and knowledge about:

preventing suicide and violence towards other
intervening effectively during crises coping with trauma and grief
resolving conflict
dealing with work and school stress
overcoming bias
addressing substance abuse
coping with self-injur
improving other life difficulties

Programs are interactive in format and designed to increase knowledge, skills, competence and confidence. We prepare each presentation individually to fill the needs of a particular audience and particular issue. Some of our audiences include:

schools and colleges
senior citizens
parent groups
civic organizations
businesses
correctional facilities
human service agencies
religious organizations
mental health professionals

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long is an education program? What does it cost?
A: The length and format of a program is tailored to the needs of the requesting group and can be from one hour to several days of training. Likewise, we offer a sliding fee scale for education programs.

Q: On what topics can you provide training?
A: Crisis intervention, effective communication and problem-solving skills, suicide prevention, other violence prevention such as bullying and loss and grief. The SPCS Role Players are prepared to help audiences deal with any difficult life issue. Each presentation is customized to the requesting audience.

Q: Who are the Role Players and what do they do?
A: A group of trained volunteers (ages teen - senior citizen) who present scenarios that depict tough situations and issues that are relevant to audience members, followed by interaction with the audience.

Q: I might like to become a Role Player. Do I need to have acting experience?
A: No, we will train you. You need to have an interest in helping people and in acting.

Q: How can I schedule the Role Players?
A: Arranging for the players includes a consultation to determine what situations and issues will best serve the interests of your organization. Fees are by arrangement. To find out more about the SPCS Role Players or to schedule.