TIGER Presents Transitions

"Tiger Transitions" is a branch off of the traditional TIGER programs. Transitions is specifically aimed at helping college students and adults, deal with the hardships people face while in school, and choices and changes they will face throughout college. The theme to this production was suicide, and suicide prevention.

This production uses real life stories and scenarios from PSU students to create the backbone of the show, "Students actually answered prompts, and then, with permission, their words were used in our scripts, so it's all very real and relevant," said TIGER Actor and PSU senior Rachel Perelli.

"TIGER does a lot of shows, some directed at elementary school audiences, and some at teen audiences, but this show is specifically for college students. Our show is part of a 3 year grant that hopes to spread awareness for suicide prevention," stated Perelli.

Transitions is an educational production that is based on the writings of Plymouth State's very own students about certain issues they've faced and dealt with in their lives that can potentially benefit others.

These writings were converted into performances that built awareness about issues such as suicide, mental health issues. These performances ultimately promote more effective help seeking behavior; and reduce stigmas.

"I think the most eye opening aspect of this event, for me anyway, was that I realized there were so many things I could relate to in the script, not all personally, but there were definitely times were I would think, "oh I know of someone who went, or is going through this," or, "I know of someone who knows someone who is going through this." Even if you don't directly relate to the stories, by the six degrees of separation, everyone can connect to them somehow," admitted Perelli.

Transitions is an event/production that uses acting, music and dance to illustrate ways college age students can use to cope with the stressors of college life and how to make positive choices in their lives.

"We were hoping to educate as well as entertain. We wanted to be able to share real stories with students in the hopes that more awareness of the topic would happen," added Patricia Lindberg, the director of this production and the creator of TIGER.

This specific production discusses the themes surrounding suicide, and the signs to look out for and how to help someone displaying such signs. The show also deals with other themes, many of which are what the average college student is likely to face in their school years.

Signs this program stressed included problems with relationships, grades, sexuality, homesickness etc. One of the best aspects of this show is that it also tells audience members about all of the resources available to them on campus if they or someone they know needs support.

All TIGER performances are followed by "talk back" sessions that are facilitated by professional trainers. "I really liked this event, it was very inspiring and relates to a lot of issues people go through," said sophomore Katlyn Hall.

The actors/presenters spoke about real life stories that were pertinent to many students, and gave ways of coping, and working through such issues like thoughts of suicide.

"There should be more organizations like this throughout states for schools to use as a resource, so that suicides and other tragic events can be avoided," said junior Jane Baruch.

The actors were PSU's very own students, such as Perelli, during these productions who have been rehearsing this production since February, "I think it helps that the performers are PSU students. They are accessible to other students and extremely authentic performers. Hopefully, they are able to convey the messages of the production in a way that can be received," stated Lindberg.

"It was a group effort with many campus staff, including Grant Director Delilah Smith, the Counseling Center, Campus Ministry, the Residential Life folks and the PSU Administration, all helping to support the production. I credit many many people all over campus with Transition's success," said Trish Lindberg, Transitions Director.

TIGER Transitions is just a facet of the large ever-growing TIGER Organization. TIGER Transitions is planning on putting on approximately ten shows total next year, the exact dates are TBD.

"If this show gives just one person the courage and tools they need to reach out to someone who they know is at risk for suicide, then the show did its job," said Perelli.