INFORMATION ABOUT TACT

WHAT IS TACT?

TACT (TeenAge Communication Theatre) is a group of high school student volunteers who educate teens, their families and other adults about sexuality, substance abuse, peer pressure and decision-making through drama.  A TACT performance consists of short vignettes, developed by the troupe, about problems that adolescents face.  The vignettes are deliberately open-ended to promote discussion and communication.

WHAT ARE THE TACT PROJECT GOALS?

• To present accurate information about teen issues

• To promote teens as educators

• To help adolescents make the connection between behavior and consequences

• To model communication on sensitive topics

TACT has been recognized by the American Medical Association for Excellence in Youth Volunteers. 

WHERE DOES TACT PERFORM AND WHO CAN JOIN?

TACT performs for area schools, churches, synagogues, social service agencies and conferences in the North Texas area.  Since TACT’s inception in 1984, Planned Parenthood of North Texas, Inc. (PPNT) has trained over 400 TACT members, and performed for more than 55,000 people.

Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 who want to educate through drama are encouraged to audition.  Auditions take place each spring and are open to all interested teens.  TACT strives to represent different communities and schools in the Dallas area.

WHO TRAINS TACT?

To prepare TACT members for the vignettes they develop and present throughout the year, the members are trained by Planned Parenthood educators and other local professionals.  Among the many agencies that have participated in training the troupe are the Suicide and Crisis Center, the Family Place, MADD, the Sexuality Education Center and the Greater Dallas Council on Drugs and Alcohol.

WHAT ABOUT MORE INFORMATION AND REFERRALS?

Planned Parenthood of North Texas has educational resources to assist you further in addressing the concerns raised during a TACT performance.  These include the Resource Card, a wallet sized referral list of area agencies, and the FACTS OF LIFE LINE (800-545-3751), a free 24-hour automated phone information line that offers educational messages concerning sexuality and reproductive health. 

For more information on other educational programs, contact the Education Department at Planned Parenthood at (214) 363-2004 or (817) 882-1155.

SCHEDULING A PERFORMANCE

The fee for a TACT performance is $150.00.

Organizations desiring to schedule a TACT performance should contact the Education Department at Planned Parenthood of North Texas (214) 363-2004 at least six weeks in advance of the requested date.

A limited amount of scholarship funding is available.  For information about how to qualify for a free or reduced cost performance, contact the Education Department.