Putting on face paint, riding a unicycle and juggling may not seem like proper ways to get the message out about the dangers of drugs and alcohol - but Bill Ross gets the job done.
The clown, juggler and professional actor will be bringing his talents to MSU today for his show, Last Call: A Sobering Look at Alcohol Abuse. The 8 p.m. performance is in the Union Ballroom.
Its a performance thats both entertaining and educational, said Jonathan Kermiet, a health educator at Olin Health Center, one of the events co-sponsors. Its a show that focuses on increasing awareness, answering questions, dispelling myths and promoting healthy alternatives to drugs and alcohol.
Ross visit will be part of an awareness week that brings alcohol and substance abuse issues to light. Olin recently took over the universitys alcohol education program from the Department of Student Life.
The comedian has provided counseling at a number of different institutions. Hes been a writer, a street performer and an alcohol educator at the University of Massachusetts.
His show, a combination of comedy, drama and poetry, will address such areas as addiction, school and domestic violence, and STDs and AIDS. The event is also sponsored by the MSU Greek Council.
Kermiet has seen Ross show before, and said its fun and insightful.
Ross performs in numerous high schools and at conferences at universities across the country. His show incorporates the point of view of someone whos been through such problems before.