Program ExplanationSanta Clara University is committed to educating our students and attending to their welfare. The horrific reality is that college students are vulnerable to experiencing sexual violence, and even can be perpetrators of sexual violence. Recognizing that sexual violence amongst the college population is a national issue, Santa Clara University is committed to educating our students on this topic to reduce the likelihood of sexual violence occurring within our community. As a concluding piece of first year students’ introduction to the Santa Clara University community, all first year students are required to attend a mandatory sexual assault prevention and education program called, Can’t Thread a Moving Needle. This program is presented in collaboration by Student Life, Department of Theatre and Dance, and the Center for Performing Arts. Can’t Thread a Moving Needle, by playwright Barbara Means Fraser, offers a compelling and honest examination of the issue of sexual assault through the use of real words and real stories. The experiences, thoughts, and realizations upon which this play has been based allow the audience to gain an overview of the physical and emotional costs of sexual assault. The play is composed of numerous scenes and monologues that are sad, enlightening, jarring, and funny. Each part highlights various aspects of this complex issue: the role that alcohol plays, the importance of communication between men and women, the impact that rape myths have on our college campuses, survivors' stories of trauma and healing, safety tips, and the search for a solution. This play is intended to open a dialogue and provide a forum for discussion on stage that will hopefully continue long after the curtain falls. Ten Santa Clara University students - male and female - worked together with the playwright to collect stories from students, faculty, and staff from Santa Clara University as well as other colleges and universities. Interviews included people from California, Texas, Indiana, Oregon, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Arizona, New York, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania. The few things on which all agreed: Education about the issue of sexual assault is essential, and men and women need to join forces to work toward a solution. Can't Thread A Moving Needle brochure - PDF version available for download Program ImplementationFirst year students were assigned according to their Residential Learning Community to attend one of four performances. Attendance was tracked by electronically reading (“swiping”) each student’s university identity card. Over the course of the four performances, over 1200 first year students attended the program. Prior to beginning the performance, the audience was informed that staff from the counseling center were available to meet with anyone in private if they had such a need.
Following the play, the student members attended small group discussions that were facilitated by student leaders in 1 in 4 and Every 2 Minutes, which are the peer educator sexual assault prevention and education student organizations. The facilitators (student leaders) completed a training program to lead the small group discussions and were provided with a resource list, discussion agenda, and sign-in sheets for tracking attendance. Comments from Members of the Class of 2012…"I was annoyed we had to go to this but it was amazing and made me think about things that have happened in my life." "I think the actors were wonderful, and I thank them for their time and effort in the production." "I really thought this was a vital presentation and that all universities should present something about this issue to their students. It is knowledge that will stop rape and sexual assault from happening." "Great job, most students don't appreciate programs like this enough, but I commend [the actors] on all of [their] hard work, and programs like these do make a difference. Thank you :)" Photography by Renee Billingslea For More Information Regarding...Production Rights: Program Implementation: |
