How to Use Street Theater
Street theater is an activity where members of your group act out a short story in a public location to educate passers-by about the group’s work. To draw attention to a particular issue, create a skit illustrating a point. Street theater can be performed on a sidewalk or in a park on the street (if it’s closed off for an event), or other locations such as a hallway between classes. Costumes or other props can be used. However, groups are cautioned to review the note on “Mock Abductions” below, and to avoid any Street Theater events that might cause passers-by to mistakenly think that real violence is occurring.
Some things to remember
- Designate someone to pass out leaflets describing the issue your group is focusing on as well as information about any related events that your group has planned.
- Designate several people to answer questions from passers-by.
- To reach more people, make the skit short and act it out several times, with short breaks in between. The breaks will also give viewers an opportunity to ask questions.
- Make sure the message is moving, yet simple. If it is not compelling and concise, passers-by might easily walk by without stopping.
- Be sure to get permission in advance from the owners or administrators of the location, if necessary.
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Provide passersby with a way to take some specific action right away and have a sign-in sheet (in PDF) for those who want to sign up for future activities.
Amnesty International USA Discourages and Does Not Sanction the Use of "Mock Abductions."
In the past, AIUSA groups have on occasion utilized “mock abductions” as a means of drawing attention to the organization’s concerns regarding the severity of human rights deprivations elsewhere in the world. These events, which have historically been well-received and proven to be effective, have typically consisted of a performance by group member “abductors” and one or more volunteer “victims.” Groups generally have prearranged the event with the appropriate authorities and have distributed informational materials to the “witnesses.” Due to the recent increase in gun-related hostage and mass shooting crises in this country, particularly in school settings, and the attention these tragedies have received in the media, AIUSA believes that these activities are no longer appropriate. In the current environment, these activities should be avoided because they could too easily prompt unwarranted concern among some observers. AIUSA therefore urges groups NOT to use “mock abductions” and similar “street” performances to draw attention to their goals and objectives. AIUSA appreciates your cooperation.
- Sign-in Sheet (in PDF)
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