educational outreach, Consent

"76% of high school students have used alcohol"
(2005 Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey)

"45% of rapists were under the influence of alcohol at the time of committing their crime"
(Bureau of Justice's National Crime Victimization Survey)

"90% of date rapes occurred when the victim and/or their attacker had been drinking"
(Bureau of Justice's National Crime Victimization Survey)

What is Consent?

Bay Colony Productions, in collaboration with Norfolk District Attorney Bill Keating, has developed and tested Consent as a successful tool to promoting alcohol awareness.

This thought-provoking presentation addresses one of the more ellusive issues facing teens today. Consent deals with the issues of date rape, the influence of alcohol on the ability of young people to make sound, responsible decisions, and the sexual consent laws in Massachusetts.

This one-act play takes place in a courtroom and through testimony and filmed flashbacks recounts the events of an evening of underage drinking that lead to a teenage couple engaging in sexual intercourse. Although the couple both testify to being drunk and giving consent, they are informed that being under 16 in Massachusetts protects students from the ability to give consent. The result is a powerful message that teens say is both relevant to their social situations as well as effective at showing the perils of alcohol use.

What people are saying about Consent

"I feel that Consent is an excellent program for any High School that is looking to explore and address the legal issues and consequences of sexual activity by minors."
--Officer Richard Huyler, Community & Schools Resource Officer

(excerpts from the Boston Globe South)

"Underage sex and drinking are important issues that most people don't know about," said Greg Josselyn, a senior at Norwell's South Shore Charter School, "The play was really honest and truthful. These types of shows are sometimes over the top."

"Talking with my friends, the message was really powerful," said Sarah Beck, a senior at Franklin High School.

"It's something we could relate to," said Lauren Provenciat of Foxboro High School.

(excerpts from The Daily News Transcript)

Tricia Girouard, a member of the Dedham Junior Women's Club, "I think this brings (the issues) to the forefront." Girouard said the play is different because it talks about the legal aspects of sexual misconduct. Girouard said teenagers often don't think about the legal age of consent-16 in Massachusetts-or the fact that getting convicted of statutory rape leads to being registered as a sex offender. "A lot of these students don't realize what the laws are. I don't think they understand this could affect them the rest of their lives."

School Principal Alan Winrow said the play "was very effective," and the courtroom setting was a good way to get the kid's attention.

Consent and your school

After the presentation is performed, health departments, peer advocates, school representatives, teachers, students and the performers are encouraged to engage in an open discussion about the issues presented. This gives students the opportunity for an open dialogue between their peers and educators to process and digest the different views surrounding these important issues.

The presentation runs approximately 30 mintues and you should allow 30 minutes following the program for the open discussion.

CONSENT can be booked on any day of the week, at a time that is most convenient for your school.

If you would like more information about CONSENT or would like to make a reservation to have CONSENT appear at your school, please contact Bill Cunningham at 508-543-4434 ×6 or by email at bcunning@orpheum.org.