Pressure to Prove: The Sex Lives of Teenage Boys. Produced/Conceived/Directed by: the creators of Power to Pleasing: The Sex Lives of Teenage Girls Funny, poignant, edgy… an intimate glimpse into the internal and external pressures in the lives of boys coming of age in our sexualized culture. The play is based on the real stories of boys giving voice to often unspoken topics. Premiered at The Dairy Center for the Arts as part of the Boulder International Fringe Festival in August, 2007. Performed/Co-Created by: Robert Paul Ryan, J Brommel, Ian Colson Design by: Pamela Traynor Photo Credit: Pamela Traynor Writers, actors and producers Christa Ray, Liz Stanton and Bethany Jean Urban are graduates of Naropa University’s 2006 MFA Class. Several works were developed during Tectonic Theater’s residency in the program. Under the guidance of Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Moisés Kaufman and Leigh Fondakowski, head writer of The Laramie Project, Power to Pleasing: The Sex Lives of Teenage Girls was one of the plays to emerge. It has been a two-time winner of the “Pick of the Fringe” at the Boulder International Fringe Festival. Pressure to Prove was created (using the same performance generating techniques) as a companion piece to Power to Pleasing, and to respond to audiences who asked, “What is the boy’s point of view?” While I do agree this show has a much larger potential, it is still one of the most open, honest pieces I’ve seen in a long time – and dealing with some very heavy subjects. Great job to everyone involved! Good show!” *** What really happens inside a boy’s bedroom? or locker room? or in his head and heart? These are real stories, telling it (sex stories) like it is. It is important work to reveal the male side with honesty and vulnerability…thank you.” *** Every woman, man, mother, father, educator, health professional, teen over 16 should see this show. Impeccably acted and portrayed. A powerful off shoot of the brilliant women’s piece-Power to Pleasing. Bravo!” *** Great. Deep. Real. That special quality when nothing is being pushed….wonderful acting. A gift to our culture…”...

  Promiscuity, Passion and Promises: The Sex Lives of Teenagers. Conceived/Written by: Christa Ray, Liz Stanton, Bethany Jean Urban and Ensemble From the creators of the award winning Power to Pleasing: The Sex Lives of Teenage Girls, and Pressure to Prove: The Sex Lives of Teenage Boys comes the third play in Giving Voice Productions trilogy on teenage sexuality. This show brings girls and boys voices together to address the challenging issues facing teenagers with hope, humor and a look toward healing. Directed by: Bethany Jean Urban Sound Design by: Liz Stanton Production Manager: Christa Ray Performed by: Toni Bradford, Jessica Fein, Chris Hatfield, Kevin Lowry, Janna Meiring, Christa Ray, Melissa Seelig and Brock Williams. Stage Manager: Alex Hughes Photo Credit: Justin Davis Darenzo “We explored some new territory this time, including a trans-gendered character, positive first time stories, positive role models and mentors, and sex and dating in the technology generation. While our previous two pieces tended toward the harsher realities of teen sexuality, this piece looked toward healing. We still had difficult material in the piece, such as suicide and sexual violence (two huge issues facing today’s teens), but most characters found their way through to the other side and claimed their strength, their healing, and their voices.” ~Christa Ray Show premiered November 12-14, 2009 at the Dairy Center for the Arts, Boulder, CO and was followed by audience discussions and feedback to help the company take the play into its next phase of development.   People don’t get how hard it is to be a teen, but you guys got it – whether it’s me or someone I know, I know every person in this play.”   As a parent of a pre-teen, I cannot thank you enough for this brilliant production. Everything I have read and heard (and more) was here. It is hard not to be emotional just thinking about it.”        ...

  Hook-ups and Hang-ups: College Students Speak Out. Conceived and created by: Liz Stanton, Bethany Urban, Christa Ray and the Student Ensemble at Denison University during Giving Voice Productions’ five week residency at the university. Directed by: Liz Stanton and Bethany Jean Urban. Performed by: Aleksandra Panovska, Ammon Hollister, Carly Baird, Christa Nannos, Jessica Blaise, Kaitlyn Grissom, Kristine Aman, Sydney Camel, Sam Kaiser Photo Credit: Coralline Breuer Hook-ups and Hang-ups – At Denison University the student ensemble generated the raw material for Hook-Ups and Hang-Ups: College Students Speak Out. This play focused primarily on the college experience by examining the social culture of Denison. Student interviews, research and personal writing revealed the relevant themes of self-esteem, identity, race relations, partying, hook-ups, and sexuality, which were then dramatized with respect and humor. This project would not have been possible without generous funding and support from: Denison University Women’s Studies department Laura C. Harris Fund English Department Beck Fund Theatre Department Vail Arts Series Residential Life Women’s Resource Center Alcohol, Drug and Health Education Comments from our student cast at Denison University: • • • I never knew I could be so creative. When we were limited to making moments simply with architecture, lights, sounds, or costumes/props, it really forced me to think outside the box and find ways to make theatre without any dialog.” I feel like I’m more comfortable talking about issues and topics that make people squirm. And I’m really glad for that, because those are exactly the kinds of things that need to be discussed. My experience was one of the most rewarding and liberating decisions of my time in college” ~Aleks Panovska • • • I really enjoy the vocal work. I’ve always considered myself a quiet person, but I’m realizing that I am capable of filling a room with my voice, and I’m excited to do more with that.” ~Kristine Aman • • • This process has allowed me to see many issues that I had not thought about. I have loved being able to address these issues in a creative and theatrical manner. I also want to take the emotional strength/stability that I gained here and carry it with me throughout my life.” ~Ammon Hollister • • • Every one of the workshops was exhilarating and eye-opening. It helps me to realize my creative capabilities, and expands my idea of what is theatrically possible. I have ended up creating things I would have never attempted to do otherwise.” ~Kristine Aman • • • This was an amazing experience and I would never trade it for anything.” ~Carly...