"Unspeakable Acts" FAQ

• What is "Unspeakable Acts"?
• How many performers are needed?
• How are the skits performed?
• I have an idea for a skit. Do you accept new scripts?
• When will rehearsal and the performances occur?
• Can WesWELL arrange for an early arrival into housing?
• Do I need acting experience?
• Do I need knowledge of sexual violence issues?
• Can I see the script before I decide?
• I'm from another campus or organization. Can I buy the script from you?  
• Who do I contact to volunteer or if I have questions?

What is "Unspeakable Acts"?

Unspeakable Acts is a peer theater performance addressing issues of sexual violence.  WesWELL, the Office of Health Education, organizes this event for New Student Orientation. It was first performed at Wesleyan in 2002 at the suggestion of a Wesleyan student who had seen the skits performed when studying in Hawai'i. The performance is a powerful introduction to sexual violence on campus and provides a starting point for further discussion for this difficult but important topic. 

The rights to the script were originally purchased from the BACCHUS Network, though we have made many changes over the years to personalize it for Wesleyan. Each year, the performers have taken advantage of this flexibility to put their own unique stamp on the piece(s) they perform, to make changes that help the audience understand the issues more clearly, and to add new skits.

How many performers are needed?

As currently written, we need a minimum of eight performers, plus a student director. The more performers, the fewer parts each person would be required to play. Many roles are gender neutral, though several roles are written to be male- or female-specific. Currently enrolled students of all class years are welcome to participate. 

How are the skits performed?

These skits are performed as "reader's theatre", where the performers carry a script to refer to rather than fully memorizing them. Performers are encouraged to be familiar enough with the material that they do not need to read from their script verbatim. The setting is very minimal and no costumes are worn, allowing audience members to use their imaginations to fill in details, based on what they are hearing.  Stage direction is provided by a student director.

I have an idea for a skit. Do you accept new scripts?

Yes. Please discuss your idea with Lisa Currie first to ensure it will fit into the overall performance. Skits that help to illustrate the myriad ways that sexual violence impacts individuals and the members of various communities and identity groups will be considered.  If based on real incidents, people and events should be fictionalized in order to protect the identities and confidentiality of those involved. 

Or click here to anonymously submit your story for inclusion in future performances of Unspeakable Acts.

When will rehearsal and the performances occur?

Unspeakable Acts is scheduled for several group rehearsals and two performances during the week of New Student Orientation.  Performers must be available for ALL sessions to participate and are encouraged to rehearse on their own as well. Rehearsals may run shorter than scheduled, but be prepared to be there the entire time. The 2009 schedule is as follows:

Can WesWELL arrange for an early arrival into housing for me so I can perform?

If you are not already arriving early for another campus job (such as Orientation Leader, Residence Life staff, etc.), we can assist performers in getting early arrival on the weekend rehearsals begin. Contact Lisa Currie to discuss your situation before July 15. No requests can be submitted after July 31 due to Residence Life policies. Performers will also be provided meals by the Orientation program from their date of arrival until regular meal plan service begins (usually the Saturday before classes begin).

Do I need acting experience?

Acting experience is highly desirable but not required. You must have an interest in educating your peers and addressing sexual violence on campus. An ability to read with feeling and a strong voice make all the difference; microphones will be available during the performance to help boost quieter voices.

Do I need knowledge of sexual violence issues?

No, but it helps as students may see you as a resource once you have performed in the skits. WesWELL can assist in providing resources to assist in learning more about sexual violence. Click here for further information.

Can I see the script before I decide? 

Yes. Contact Lisa Currie.  

I'm from another campus or organization. Can I buy the script from you?

The script and performance rights can only be purchased from the BACCHUS Network. They offer free script previews prior to purchase.

Who do I contact to volunteer or if I have questions?

Click here to indicate your interest in performing in Unspeakable Acts.

If you have questions, contact Lisa Currie, Director of Health Education, weswell@wesleyan.edu, 860.685.2466.

Thanks for your interest!

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