WSCC presents ‘Sex Signals’

VICTORY TWP. – West Shore Community College’s Performing Art Series and the WSCC Student Senate present Catharsis Productions’ popular touring sexual assault awareness program, “Sex Signals” on Friday., Feb. 8, at 7:30 p.m., in the Center Stage Theater.

The presentation differs from traditional sexual assault prevention programs in that it incorporates improvisational comedy, education and audience interaction to provide a challenging look at dating, sex and the core issue of consent. The 90-minute two-person play begins by taking an irreverent and funny look at the awkwardness of dating as the actors represent each gender’s perspective.

“This show will leave you speechless, not only does it talk about serious issues but they inform you in a fun way. And besides, who doesn’t like talking about sex?” said student senate’s communication officer Katie Menger.

Through improvisation and audience interaction, the play explores how social pressures, unrealistic fantasies, power inequity and false preconceptions of the other sex all contribute to the tensions often found in dating. Then, through a semi-improvisational scene, the presenters demonstrate how these and other factors can lead to sexual assault.

The scene enables audiences to recognize the true nature of rape, and to place full responsibility with the rapist, however much they may like the person. Furthermore, “Sex Signals” challenges audiences who have mislabeled coercive behavior as seduction, and to reexamine a culture that too often holds victims of rape responsible for their own vulnerability.

“With the ugliness of misogyny in so much of popular culture, this is just the kind of entertaining program that is needed to combat sexual abuse,” Dr. Rick Plummer, director of WSCC’s Performing Arts Series said.

“Importantly, the play closes on an empowering note, encouraging the audience to both provide solutions for creating safer and healthier interpersonal relationships, and brainstorm how they could positively intervene as bystanders when they witness a friend or stranger in a vulnerable situation that could lead to sexual violence.

“’Sex Signals’ is a smart, compelling way to introduce college students to thinking about sexual and relationship decision making. They present the ideas humorously yet powerfully, creating a dialogue with their audience that is unparalleled.”

This presentation has been performed over 4,000 times at over 900 colleges throughout the country and dozens of military installations around the world. It has become one of the most popular programs on sexual assault awareness among college audiences, military personnel, and educators.

Reserve tickets at the Center Stage Theater Box Office in the Arts and Science Center or by calling 231-843-5507. Box office hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.