We did it! With your support, we reached our $2,250 fundraising goal on June 30, 2021. Thank you for your generosity. Although our fundraiser on Facebook has ended, you can still contribute to the program by giving here.

We are working to ensure as many schools as possible can have access to our signature violence prevention program, Say Something, Do Something, this coming fall. This year’s installment of Say Something, Do Something is particularly exciting, as it has been selected by the National Endowment for the Arts for one of only 14 Research in the Arts grants in the country. So, classrooms participating in the fall will not only directly benefit from the program, they will be part of a study that will have the potential to benefit young people all across the country.

It costs approximately $750 for 2-3 classrooms at a school to receive the program. Please consider helping us to make it possible for schools to receive Say Something, Do Something, at no cost. Thank you for your support! Every and any amount makes a difference.

What is Say Something, Do Something?

Say Something, Do Something is an interactive and immersive program that uses participatory theater techniques to build critical thinking, decision making, and interpersonal skills to help students think about how to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence.

Students witness a recreated scene based on real-life situations they experience, then have the opportunity to actively help the target of the scene’s violence. Students interview characters to develop a deeper understanding of what influences people to make these negative choices. They are invited to replace the actors, re-play the scene, and improvise their own strategies for a more positive outcome. After this rehearsal for real life, students will be better equipped to recognize potential conflict in their schools and take action to create a culture of non-violence.

“Say Something, Do Something is a great way for kids to walk in someone else’s shoes and see what situations look and feel like from a different perspective. I remember playing the role of a bully. During the hot seat portion where kids are able to ask questions to each character about the scene, this girl asked my character why she was taking out her frustrations on the target character. I responded in character, 'Don’t you ever have bad days?' and she didn’t respond. She sat and reflected. Later on, her teacher came up to me and said she was happy for that interaction because that girl was similar to my character and she believed the Say Something, Do Something program had reached her in some way. This program is not a quick fix, but it is a gateway to have open conversations about empathy, humanity, and understanding." — Chrissie Watkins, Say Something, Do Something actor

“The best part of this program is seeing the kids come up with solutions for issues we tackle everyday and being able to bring theater to kids who might not have an opportunity to experience it otherwise.” — Chris E. Ware, Say Something, Do Something actor and facilitator

"One of the things that always stuck out to me is how well I could see young people find effective ways out of difficult situations. We were always able to see it unfold right before our eyes. I still think about some of the creative strategies they came up with. I'm glad to have been given the chance to work on such a great project." — Michael Pierce, Say Something, Do Something actor

Actor Jason J. Little recently shared, "I loved every moment of Say Something, Do Something. Getting a chance to shape the minds of youth in a positive way has been so fulfilling to me as an actor and as a parent. The life lessons that young people are getting from this program is very valuable. I wish had a program like this growing up! Say Something, Do Something is making the world a better place! I believe that this program needs to be in every school from elementary through high school. How we prepare today shapes our tomorrow. Our children are the future." — Jason J. Little, Say Something, Do Something actor

A school counselor commented on having Say Something, Do Something at their school: "We wanted students to be able to identify multiple different ways they can make a difference. We don't want them to just be able to list off different ways to help, we want them to be able to read a situation and be able to adjust to what is going on and be able to decide under pressure. It's one thing to say you're going to do something, but another thing to step up and do it, and Metro showed us exactly how to do that. Metro definitely met our expectations and brought our bully education lessons to life."

Say Something, Do Something Fundraiser

Q&A with Summer Camp Teaching Artists

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