Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
to Present Anti-Bullying Musical
it gets better
Saturday, June 16 at 7:30 pm
Production Includes Project Residency in Collaboration with Compass Community Center, Stonewall National Museum & Archives, and KOP Mentoring Network – June 12-16
(West Palm Beach, FL – May 24, 2018) The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts today announced that it is presenting it gets better, which uses the universal foundation of music to educate and enlighten people about the struggles of LGBTQ youth, on Saturday, June 16 at 7:30 pm. This will be the Kravis Center’s final PEAK series performance of the season.
The it gets better project began in 2010 after writer Dan Savage and his husband, Terry Miller, created a YouTube video in which worldwide supporters assured LGBTQ youth who felt bullied that “it gets better.” The grassroots campaign has evolved into a week-long residency in which local students work with it gets better representatives, including members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, on anti-bullying, self-image, tolerance and acceptance.
The cast of it gets better travels to communities nationwide and produces a week of educational workshops culminating in a moving musical theater performance. Through laughter and tears, the stage show brings to life real-life stories from lesbian, gay, transgender, genderqueer and straight allies from across America and infuses them with dynamic musical numbers.
June 16 at 7:30 pm (Saturday)
it gets better
(PEAK)
In addition to its ongoing live performance by the it gets better cast of professional artists, the dynamic musical includes recorded student material — poems, songs, skits and more — from the collaborative events at Compass Community Center. The performance combines live actors and dynamic, multimedia presentations into one ultimate expression of hope and action. In addition, there will be a “talk-back session” immediately following the performance.
(Note: Guests will receive a ticket voucher for one complimentary beverage. Underage guests will be offered a non-alcoholic selection.)
Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Playhouse
Tickets $32
This PEAK performance is made possible by a grant from the
MLDauray Arts Initiative in honor of Leonard and Sophie Davis
Prior to the Saturday night performance at the Kravis Center, it gets better is collaborating with Compass Community Center, Stonewall National Museum & Archives, and KOP Mentoring Network to present a five-day Project Residency (June 12-16).
June 12 (Tuesday)
+ from 6 to 7 pm
Journey at Stonewall National Museum & Archives, 2157 Wilton Dr. in Wilton Manors
An open forum of inquiry and dialogue as cast members share personal stories and reflections about it gets better.
+ from 6 to 9 pm
Karaoke Night at The Book Cellar, 801 Lake Avenue in Lake Worth
A fun evening of full of musical expression in a judgment-free space.
June 13 (Wednesday)
+ from 10 to 11:30 am
it gets better Workshop with KOP Mentoring Network
Members of the cast will work with a small group of KOP Mentoring Network kids to create a video PSA. (Note: Not open to the public)
+ from 2:30 to 3:30 pm
Journey at Compass Community Center, 201 N. Dixie Hwy. in Lake Worth
An open forum of inquiry and dialogue as cast members share personal stories and reflections about it gets better.
+ from 4 to 6 pm
World Café Workshop at Compass Community Center, 201 N. Dixie Hwy. in Lake Worth
This workshop will explore the beliefs, attitudes and behaviors in the community toward LGBTQ people and particularly LGBTQ youth, while aiming to identify solutions and create an action plan for creating positive change in Palm Beach County. Educators, parents, student leaders, elected officials, law enforcement, artists and business professionals are all encouraged to attend.
To learn more about the it gets better Project Residency, please visit
https://compassglcc.com/youth-program/it-gets-better/
How to Get Tickets to see it gets better at the Kravis Center:
Tickets are available for purchase online through the Kravis Center’s official website at kravis.org; in person at the Box Office, located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; or by phone at 561.832.7469 or 800.572.8471. For group sales, please call 561.651.4438 or 561.651.4304.
About the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts:
The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is a not-for-profit performing arts center whose mission is to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and international artists and companies of the highest quality; by offering comprehensive arts education programs; by providing a Palm Beach County home in which local and regional arts organizations can showcase their work; and by providing an economic catalyst and community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County. The Kravis Center is located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, FL. For more information, please call 561.832.7469 or visit the official website at kravis.org.
About Compass Community Center:
Compass Community Center is Palm Beach County’s only LGBTQ Community Center and works to diminish stereotypes by challenging long-standing misconceptions about the character of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community. For more information, please visit https://compassglcc.com.
About Stonewall National Museum & Archives:
Celebrating more then 40 years, Stonewall National Museum & Archives (SNMA) promotes understanding through preserving and sharing the proud culture of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their significant role in society.SNMA presents an ongoing schedule of exhibitions, including author readings and movie screenings on LGBT topics, writer’s and book discussion groups, and other special events. Information on programs at Stonewall National Museum – Wilton Manors, Stonewall National Library & Archives and programs organized through Stonewall National Education Project is available at stonewall-museum.org. Find SNMA on Facebook: stonewallmuseum, Twitter: stonewallmuseum and on Instagram: @stonewallarchive.
About KOP Mentoring Network:
KOP Mentoring Network is a nonprofit organization that uses non-traditional tools such as field trips, guest speakers and team building projects to prepare youths ages 7 to 17 for life in this global society. The Delray Beach-based organization has been in existence since 1991 and has created opportunities for several hundred youths, many of whom are in the armed forces or are gainfully employed locally.
(Photo Credit: James Geiger)