Mission
To set the stage for prevention by educating the public about addiction and recovery through dramatic performances and theater workshops -presented by actors who are in long-term recovery from addictions – that help people recognize situations in their own lives and seek the help they need.
Impact
Improbable Players have been performing the mission of substance use disorder prevention since 1984. With each performance we collect feedback. The sentiments are clear: our work is uniquely
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Mission
To set the stage for prevention by educating the public about addiction and recovery through dramatic performances and theater workshops -presented by actors who are in long-term recovery from addictions – that help people recognize situations in their own lives and seek the help they need.
Impact
Improbable Players have been performing the mission of substance use disorder prevention since 1984. With each performance we collect feedback. The sentiments are clear: our work is uniquely impactful because our actors have lived the stories they perform. These are universally relatable stories.
This feedback is bolstered by research by John F. Kelly, PhD, ABPP with Recovery Research Institute at MGH. His pre and post show surveys show significant changes in attitudes and knowledge of school age audiences. This is evidence based prevention education.
“The performance is moving students’ beliefs, intentions and attitudes regarding substance use and increasing their perceived confidence in asking for help should they ever have an alcohol or other drug problem. The results are in the positive therapeutic range.” -Dr. Kelly.
Improbable Players uses theater performances and workshops to address addiction, alcoholism, and the opioid epidemic.
Our performances are 25-45 minutes long followed by a talkback/Q&A. Our workshops give students the space and tools to combat social pressures and find coping strategies that work for them. Our plays are based on true stories and performed by people in recovery. We have touring troupes in New England, NY & NJ, and Cleveland, OH!
Our work is appropriate for 6th grade and up. We’ve also performed at conferences, treatment centers, and community events across the country.
OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE
Improbable Players is taking the following steps to keep our client organizations, actors, and staff safe during this crisis:
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Thanks to all of our fundraisers, the Perform Recovery Fund exceeded our stretch goal of $20,000 in less than a month! This will support our actors in recovery with work through this challenging time. Our community has been doubly hit on the employment and recovery fronts. With your support, we’ll keep creating.
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Suspending all in-person programming effective immediately in all regions. This hold on in-person activity will continue until further notice.
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All staff, interns, board members, and volunteers have been asked to work remotely during this period. All meetings will be held remotely as well.
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We are rescheduling in-person programs and offering live video based programs to schools. If you are interested in either, please contact us! See below:
For details or to schedule a new video-conference based program, or for policy related questions, reach out to Melany Levesque at melany@improbableplayers.org or reach her by phone 617.926.8124.
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