Taproot Theatre's Road Company is taking its social-issues plays to elementary and secondary schools throughout Western Washington and the Yakima Valley through mid-May to teach students how to recognize bullying, inform them how to react and give them the tools they need to speak up and stop suffering in silence.

Fifteen to 25 percent of students in the United States are believed to frequently experience the turmoil of bullying, according U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, but as alarming as that may be, 15 to 20 percent say they bully others.

"We want students to recognize that we all have a part in making the world a place where violence, harassment, and gossip can be fought," says Josiah Wallace, director of outreach for Taproot Theatre Company.

The touring company incorporates into its plays bullying-prevention principles from the Committee for Children's "Steps to Respect(r)" program. "Steps to Respect" teaches students social skills and the three R's of preventing this type of abusive behavior: Recognize, Refuse, and Report bullying.

The Road Company's plays target students in various age groups by capturing their attentions and imaginations through characters they like and can identify with. In "Camp Super Friend," the protagonist is a superhero who, despite his super powers, struggles to make friends. The popularity of televised talent shows will draw students to "Star Power," a play about two fifth graders who encounter a bully while competing for the title of "The Most Talented Kid in Washington." Each play has specific education goals, such as forming friendships, appreciating differences and showing respect for others.

The Road Company expects to perform 150 times in 100 schools this winter and spring. In 2007, the Road Company gave 242 performances of these bullying-prevention plays at 180 schools for more than 93,000 students.

Taproot Theatre's Road Company has been touring dynamic educational plays to students throughout the Pacific Northwest since the 1980s. The Road Company reaches tens of thousands of students each year with productions that address relevant social issues and provide youth with safe steps to approach them. In addition to the touring productions, Taproot Theatre provides teachers' guides and resources to facilitate classroom discussion and increase the effectiveness of the message. The actors are also available for individual classroom visits.

To book a show, contact Josiah Wallace at 529.3669 or josiah@taproottheatre.org.