Acts of Prevention – Merging the Arts and Prevention
Acts of Prevention is a unique and exciting program developed in response to the changing needs of our youth. It is based upon a collaborative relationship between the arts and prevention. NCADD is energized to be able to offer programming to schools, communities and agencies that will be educational, fun and empowering for individuals of all ages.
How Does it Work?
Research has shown that the arts have a significant impact on the lives of children. Art, in its many forms, provides a safe framework for all youth, families and communities regardless of their culture and differences. With much demand for more creative and unique programming, NCADD has answered this call. We have put in place a new set of activities and presentations that allow for the utilization of arts based techniques. This type of programming allows for the expression of ideas, feelings, and opinions with a sense of freedom.
 Arts and prevention programming assists children and adolescents with the demands of "growing up" in society today; dealing with hardships, social issues, stress, and illness through creative expression can make a world of difference in how the child or adolescent makes future decisions . For youth, the arts provide a different perspective on their lives, a chance to imagine a different outcome and to develop a critical distance from everyday life. No other activity allows us that voice. Arts and Prevention programming makes room for us individually, collectively and culturally to say things we might never get to say.
NCADD's Acts of Prevention Initiative provides the community with an alternative to traditional prevention activities. The many components of programming can assist the individual by developing resiliency and increasing emotional, behavioral, cognitive and cultural competencies. This programming will provide options, challenges, and an effective means for promoting growth and change.
Acts of Prevention performs one such original script, Voices. The live program represents true to life scenarios in a monologue format in the hopes of engaging youth. The scripts are original and were developed with careful consideration of the needs of youth as well as the limitations of school personnel. The scripts or performances can be adapted to fit the need of the consumer. Voices has traveled across the state of New Jersey to schools and community organizations with overwhelmingly positive response from audiences of all ages.
Acts of Prevention performances are followed by a question and answer period moderated by a trained NCADD staff member. NCADD also works closely with professional school staff to ensure that support services are in place once the program is completed. The casts of all scripts are trained to send powerful and responsible messages with a strong knowledge of the issues that they are presenting.
How Do I Sign Up
NCADD holds open auditions for the expansion of the current Acts of Prevention Troupe. Many of the programs that NCADD offers feature youth in the roles of their peers. This technique offers a unique opportunity for youth to see themselves and their issues as defined by their very own peers.
All programming will be supervised by certified professionals. All members of the troupe are graduates of Middlesex County School districts.
Currently, Acts of Prevention the following scripts available for presentation:
VOICES
“Voices” is a script written to empower young women, utilizing real problems that young people all too often face alone. The six different monologues press on issues such as drug abuse, eating disorders, teen pregnancy, homosexuality, and other problems that teens struggle with everyday. This script teaches young woman that there is help when they need it, and that no matter what may happen, they are not alone.
VOICES OF US
“Voices of Us” is an extension to Voices. With the same monologues and issues in voices, this script adds on the issues of young men and also the role they play in a young women’s life. It shows that young men face issues that are just as difficult. This script expresses the importance of seeking help and understanding that no one, male or female, is alone.
FADE
“Fade” is a script that focuses on youth considering dropping out of school. It expresses the many different situations that may lead a teen to make this choice. These different monologues are real problems that many teens experience throughout high school. This script expresses the need to finish school, so that those who are ready to give up don’t fade away.
THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD
“The Long and Winding Road” focuses on drinking and driving. The script looks at not only the drunk driver and the victim, but also the family that is affected by such a preventable and senseless act. This script expresses the importance of thinking of the choices they make make, because the decisions they make may not only affect their lives but the lives of others, as well.
A Day in the Life: Confessions of a Middle School Kid (for student and parent assemblies)
“A Day in the Life” takes the audience through the hallways of middle school life. It shares the concern of the adults in a child’s life, and it shows how quick a simple statement can turn into a complicated rumor. This script expresses that children have a lot to say, and it’s important for the adults in their lives to listen.
Programs are available to an agency, school or organization, please contact us 732-254-3344 or via email at
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Funding for the Acts of Prevention program made possible through a grant from the PNC Foundation.
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