"Unspeakable Acts" FAQ

What is "Unspeakable Acts"?

Unspeakable Acts is a peer theater performance addressing sexual assault and relationship violence issues.  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 Hawaii. The performance is a powerful introduction to sexual assault on campus and provides a starting point for further discussion for this difficult but important topic. 

The rights to the script were purchased from the BACCHUS Network, though we have flexibility to make changes to the script 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 eight to sixteen volunteers; this is subject to change as revisions will be made during Summer 2008. 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 typically 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 assault and relationship 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. 

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. Our current schedule is as follows:

How much time will it take?

6 - 8 hours for group rehearsals, approximately 3 hours for the performances, plus any individual rehearsal time on your own.

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

Possibly. To receive permission for early arrival to university housing, you must have a departmental sponsor from a job or other activity for which you are required to be on campus, such as being an Orientation Leader, Residence Life staff, an athlete, or research assistant. If you are working in another capacity on campus, we may be of assistance in arranging early arrival for you. Contact Lisa Currie to discuss your situation before July 15.

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 assault 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 assault 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 assault. 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 as well.

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

Contact Lisa to express your interest in performing or with questions:        
Lisa Currie, Director of Health Education, lcurrie@wesleyan.edu, 860.685.2466

Thanks for your interest!