SEX SIGNALS: A Funny Show about date rape—what’s that all about?
Colleges and universities have long grappled with providing effective sexual assault prevention programming. It’s a controversial, highly charged subject, packed with emotion and misunderstanding. Contrary to the common myth that rape is committed by strangers jumping out of dark alleys, the reality is that rape is usually committed by someone the victim knows. Also, any discussion about sexual assault can make men feel implicated simply because they are men and women feel uncomfortable when they recognize their own potential victimization.
Unfortunately, many rape awareness programs lose students by being dry, somber, patronizing, or pedantic. In addition, few young adults have ever been given a safe space to have a candid, positive conversation about the confusion and realities of dating, sex, and non-stranger rape.
SEX SIGNALS responds to the challenge. The presentation distinguishes itself by mixing improvisational comedy, education, and audience interaction. SEX SIGNALS provokes discussions about dating, sex, and the issue of consent. The 75-minute, two-person play begins with an irreverent and funny look at the awkwardness of dating, with each actor representing their gender’s perspective. Through a no-holds-barred approach, the show explores how social pressures, gender role stereotypes, and unrealistic fantasies can make social interaction a challenge. Worse still, these factors enable some to view date rape as simple seduction, and for victims of date rape to blame themselves for their own vulnerability. Although the message is a serious one, the show uses humor, engaging audiences in candid discussions about their beliefs and experiences. Seasoned educators and facilitators, the presenters strike a balance between laughing about the differences between men and women, and clearly communicating some serious messages about how we all should treat each other.
Ultimately, SEX SIGNALS creates the kind of critical dialogue necessary to dissolve enduring rape myths and encourage thoughtful, accountable, intimate behavior. The program reaches out to students who have mislabeled coercion as consent, with the hope that once they realize the brutal impact of rape, that they will change their behavior.
Technical Requirements
Only minimal technical support is required for this presentation. Two sturdy armless chairs, two cordless lapel microphones and one handheld microphone are all that is needed for the performers. Ideally, the program is performed on a stage, but can be presented adequately in a meeting room or classroom. The program works best for audiences of fifty to two hundred people, but can accommodate much smaller groups and audience sizes of up to 400 people. Please see the contract rider for more details on show requirements.
Although limited, some of the language and content contained in the program may be found offensive to some people. As this is language is used to reflect and comment upon the language many people use to talk about sex, we believe the language to be appropriate, especially given the context of this program. Most audiences have found this approach to be refreshingly candid and effective. There is a modified version of SEX SIGNALS available for schools requesting a slightly more conservative approach. In addition, a specialized introduction for the traditional show can be made available for schools wanting to alert audiences to the content and language in the show while stressing its educational value. Please contact Catharsis Productions if you are concerned.
How it started
SEX SIGNALS was developed as “The Sensitive Swashbuckler & Other Dating Myths,” at Stage Left Theatre in Chicago as part of their unique Downstage Left new play workshop. Founded in 1982, Stage Left Theatre Company is a non-profit ensemble dedicated to producing plays that raise debate on social and political issues. In its first 25 years, Stage Left has produced over one hundred mainstage, late-night, off-night, children's and touring productions that have received numerous critical accolades, as well as 37 nominations and 14 citations for excellence from the Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee. SEX SIGNALS has become their most successful Downstage Left graduate to date.
“The Sensitive Swashbuckler” was performed as a late-night improvisational show in May of 2000 at Stage Left Theatre and received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. In October of 2000, the interactive program became affiliated with NACA agency of the year, Bass/Schuler Entertainment, and began touring college campuses around the country. Shortly thereafter, it was renamed “SEX SIGNALS” and has been well received at colleges and universities across the United States. After receiving the highest ratings of any presentation at the 2001 International Conference on Sexual Assault and Harassment on Campus (renamed the “National Conference on Sexual Assault in Our Schools”), SEX SIGNALS has since presented every year at the conference as either an education session or plenary address. SEX SIGNALS has been presented at conferences associated with several other higher education conferences and organizations, including those focused on student activities, residential housing, fraternities and sororities, student athletics, college health educators, and student government. Please visit our Conference History page for details.