T.I.G.E.R

Have you ever seen that tiger striped van in the parking lot by the PE Center? That van carries a five person professional theater group formed in 2002 called T.I.G.E.R. This theater company helps not only children; but also schools, parents and communities with bullying and other concerns facing young children grades K-8 today. The group has performed both nationally and internationally and is a recipient of the 2010 Gold Circle Achievement Award. The five members of the group Chris, Candace, Thato, Colleen and Richard have travelled as far a Cairo, Egypt to get their message across. Their show, "A Bully Isn't Your Friend Yet" has helped boost self esteem and has informed children about how to deal with bullying in schools and other common places bullying occurs. 

Bullying used to start in later elementary school or junior high now it is reported that it begins in kindergarten. Some of the benefits of intervening early with educational programs such as this one are better problem solving skills, social-emotional development and social skills.

After performing at a school T.I.G.E.R leaves a tiger as a visual reminder of what they stand for. Each letter in T.I.G.E.R. stands for a different step to either ward off bullies or how to stay away from becoming a bully yourself.

T: "Tell an adult who knows what to do and adults make sure you follow through"

I: "I Say No!"

G: "Don't Gossip"

E: "Exit when Necessary"

R: "Respect"

Where does T.I.G.E.R. get all of their material? All songs and quotes such as, "bullies come in all shapes and sizes" come from local elementary school children. The group sent out prompts to schools around New Hampshire asking for scenarios in which the children have experienced bullying or been bullies in their everyday lives. Their show's title, "A Bully Isn't Your Friend Yet" comes from a child in Concord, NH. All songs have either been written by or stemmed from these children's experiences. By using the children's own words and real life scenarios the show is more authentic. Through live actors, theatre, music, a lot of action and humor the show comes to life. Watching the show allows the audience to step back and see intolerances and is prompted to move into positive social interactions with others both at school and in the community.

The goal of T.I.G.E.R. is to change the views of the audience to see that bullying and intolerance are not ok. They seek to transform the feelings, thoughts and behaviors of those who are bullies and those who see bullying and do nothing about it. They also try to get those who have been bullied to stick up for themselves. So next time a bully comes your way remember the words, "just say no!"