The Science
Behind Drug Story Theater
Publication in Health Behavior and Policy Review,” a rigorously peer-reviewed scholarly bi-monthly publication that seeks manuscripts on health behavior or policy topics that represent original research, including papers that examine the development, advocacy, implementation, or evaluation of policies around specific health issues”. July 1, 2021, Drug Story Theater: A Mixed-Methods Study of a Peer-to-Peer Approach to Substance Abuse Education.
"The Price You Pay" highlights negative peer pressure, the potential for marijuana to be a gateway drug to opioids, and the effect addiction has on family relationships. Woven throughout the performance are “machines” - short repeated phrases and movements - depicting the seduction of, addiction to, and recovery from drugs and alcohol. This performance is geared toward high school students.
"The Price You Pay: Second Chances" is an emotional look into the impact drugs and alcohol have on teens and their relationships and their ability to perform in school. The characters struggle with anxiety and depression, leading them down the path to addiction and self-harm. This performance is geared toward middle school students.
"The Price You Pay: Changes for the Better" shows many sides of addiction. The audience sees the struggle not only of addicted teens but also the pain caused by addicted parents. This performance is geared toward high school and college students, as there is mature material that addresses physical and sexual assault and rape resulting from being under the influence of drugs and alcohol.