Insight Theatre Puts Sexual Education in the Spotlight |
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| Written by Kevin Johns |
| Monday, 21 September 2009 00:00 |
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Youth talk about sex. A recent Toronto survey concluded that parents, teachers and health professionals play a role, but when teens have questions about their sexuality "youth are most likely to talk to their friends" . The same study discovered a disturbing decline in sexual health knowledge amongst youth, especially those under sixteen. "Despite rising STI rates creating the potential for increased HIV infection amongst youth, knowledge of the disease has declined since 1989...Knowledge about emergency contraception is often inaccurate and there continues to be confusion about how to use condoms effectively." In Ottawa, youth are fortunate to have several programs that address such issues from a youth perspective. Insight Theatre was created by Planned Parenthood Ottawa in 1982. It harnesses the power of theatre, combined with the effectiveness of peer communication to provide teens with accurate, sex-positive information on health, relationships and a host of relevant issues. According to the Toronto Teen Sex Survey, "...youth are often the primary source of sexual information for their peers, they should be involved in the development of sexual health initiatives. This approach has been proven to be particularly effective with adolescent and youth." Teachers often use the Insight show as an introduction to their sex-ed units. As Insight Program Coordinator, Nadine Thornhill says, "It's designed to compliment the school curriculum. The show can provide a point of reference for students once they're back in the classroom." Youth involved with Insight Theatre spend their summer break training for the year ahead. In addition to performance skills, they are taught everything from biology to sexual diversity to contraception from some of the top health and sex educators in the city. Come fall, the troupe uses that knowledge to develop a series of sketches that address these issues. Insight Theatre performs for senior elementary and high school students across the region. Because the show is created by youth, for youth, information is shared in a uniquely relatable way. Insight Theatre will launch their 2009-2010 season with a premiere show, Saturday October 24th at 8 p.m. in the Bronson Centre's Mac Hall. Admission is pay-what-you-can. In-school performances begin November 1st and continue through to the end of the school year. Schools who wish to book Insight Theatre can contact Ms. Thornhill by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling Planned Parenthood Ottawa at 613.226.3234
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| Last Updated on Monday, 21 September 2009 01:27 |
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