Allentown School District
Photo by Susan Weaver
Coming Clean is a theatre-based educational program developed by Allentown Public Theatre to address opioid use, addiction, overdose, and their effects on individuals, families, and communities.
The program was created in response to the loss of a family member to a heroin overdose. It reflects APT’s belief that theatre can help people confront difficult subjects, encourage honest conversation, reduce stigma, and create greater understanding among individuals, families, and communities.
Since 2017, Allentown Public Theatre has presented this program for middle school students, high school students, community organizations, and adults. The goal is to spread awareness and encourage critical thinking about the opioid crisis.
Coming Clean uses live theatre, Theatre of the Oppressed techniques, workshops, and facilitated discussion to explore the realities of substance use and addiction. Audience members are engaged as brainstormers and problem-solvers, both on stage and in their own lives.
The program can address topics including addiction, overdose, grief, family relationships, treatment, recovery, prevention, and community support.
APT developed Coming Clean with input from professionals and organizations working in social services, education, treatment, and public health. The program was designed for use in schools, churches, social service agencies, community organizations, and other settings where people are seeking meaningful ways to address the opioid crisis.
Rather than relying only on lectures or written materials, Coming Clean uses the emotional and human power of theatre to help audiences engage with these issues. Performances and discussions can encourage empathy, challenge stigma, and help participants recognize the effects of addiction on individuals and the people who care about them.
School Performances
Originally designed for middle and high school students, Coming Clean is an interactive way to provide opioid awareness education. The program does not preach or talk down to students. Instead, it empowers them to think for themselves.
Paired with a health teacher or school guidance counselor, the program can support existing school programming with engaging activities. In an assembly setting, it can reach students who may not otherwise be reached.
One student participant described the experience this way: “It was a good experience for me; it made me feel more aware of the opioid crisis. It also made me think about it more deeply.”
APT has presented Coming Clean at Lehigh Valley Academy on April 19, 2018.
Community Performances
APT has presented Coming Clean at the following community locations:
- The Allentown Art Museum, November 16, 2017
- The Allentown Boys & Girls Club Teen Center, April 20, 27, May 4, and 11, 2018
Allentown Public Theatre offers Coming Clean to organizations seeking theatre-based public health programming. The program can be adapted for different audiences and settings and may include a performance, educational workshop, facilitated discussion, or a combination of these elements.
Organizations interested in presenting Coming Clean or discussing a possible engagement with APT are encouraged to contact us.