Gretna Theatre Tackles Bullying In Local Schools

Gretna Theatre brings their production of Thomas Quinn's The Boy Who Cried Bully into Central PA schools as a part of Gretna's growing educational outreach program. Over the next few weeks, this unique educational program will entertain and educate students throughout several local school districts across South-Central Pennsylvania.

Executive Producer Brian Kurtas shares his enthusiasm noting, "All summer we bring audiences from the surrounding communities into our historic theatre, but we are so much more than just a summer theatre. Many of our school districts have limited or no access to the arts. Now, we are committed to bringing live theatre directly to them, by producing curriculum-based programs that address contemporary issues in schools. This year's brand new Bullying program has already been scheduled to reach Manheim Central, Warwick, Northern Lebanon, Solanco, and West Shore School District."

The Boy Who Cried Bully is written by a local Pennsylvania playwright and educator, Thomas Quinn of Rose Valley, PA. The play focuses on the honest examination of bullying − how it starts, why it happens, and what to do to stop it. Gretna Theatre understands that kindness is one of the most significant contributors to a positive school climate. Being that October is National Bullying Prevention Month, there is no better way to connect this important message than through a fun, theatrical way that matches with current PA Common Core Standards. The Boy Who Cried Bully was first produced by the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia.

These low-cost programs help teachers and activities directors bring the arts into their schools; making theatre available, accessible and engaging. After visiting Cedar Crest High School last year, the Faculty raved, "Gretna Theatre has become a way to broaden the horizons of our student body." Other programs include pieces on Diversity/Inclusion and Historical Figures, such as Amelia Earhart and Mark Twain.

Gretna Theatres Touring Outreach program performs throughout the 2018-19 school year and is funded in part by FirstEnergy Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Lebanon, and Stephen R. Gibble, Esq. For booking information, visit www.gretnatheatre.org or call 717-964-3322.

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