Choices - Gelinas JHS Theatre Arts Company

This October marks the 10th anniversary of the P.J. Gelinas Junior High School Theatre Arts Company’s adolescent issues play program. To commemorate the anniversary, the school’s students will be putting on an encore production of the school’s original play “Choices,” which was co-written by director Robert DePersio and former Assistant Principal Tony Santana. A free performance for community members will take place on October 10 at 7 p.m. in the school’s auditorium. Any students attending this performance must be accompanied by an adult.

“Choices” touches upon two issues extremely prevalent in today’s society: bullying and texting. During the play, the audience will watch an adolescent struggle with the consequences of texting an inappropriate picture and witness how bullying impacts the many different characters both individually as well as part of a school environment. 
Following the free performance, school social worker Debbie Johnston will make a short presentation on the ways to identify a bully, the definition of bullying, and the impact bullying has on a school environment. Additionally, she will be discussing strategies and interventions that students and parents can utilize to address bullying issues, as well as Gelinas’ efforts and methods to promote an atmosphere of acceptance and respect in the school.

The school’s students will have the chance to view the play during the day of October 10