Political science junior Bobby Parsons, left, as “Condom Man,” explains how to put on a condom to theatre junior Josh Whitson, center, and theatre senior Erika Clauson, right, Oct. 15, 2013, at Holmes Hall. The In Your Face Theatre Troupe is an MSU student group that does skits on sexual “edu-tainment.” Margaux Forster/The State News
The In Your Face Theatre Troupe is going beyond the typical measures to engage students in learning about sexual health by performing skits with topics ranging from masturbation to condom use.
The Troupe performs several skits about sexual health throughout the school year at residence halls and the organization took its talents to Holmes Hall on Tuesday night.
Members of the Troupe display a variety of majors and backgrounds, and are an extension of MSU’s Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Student Health Services Educator Kevin Bator said.
“A common theme throughout the series of skits is communication,” said Bator, who advises the group. “The Troupe does not necessarily give the audience permission to be sexually active, but instead, they are giving them permission to start the conversation about their relationships, sex and sexuality.”
Some skits include “Lovin’ Yourself,” which is about masturbation, and “Condom Man,” which discusses the correct usage of condoms. A popular eye-opener of the show dispels the myth that condoms are too small when a Troupe member unrolls a condom down her entire arm from fist to elbow, Bator said.
Coordinator of Center for Sexual Health Promotion Erica Phillipich said it’s important to provide students with education they can “see and witness,” and not just read about.
“We know that the vast majority of MSU students come from school districts that do not teach comprehensive sexuality education, nor do families typically talk to their children about what a healthy relationship looks like and how to talk about your wants and desires,” Phillipich said. “(With the Troupe), you can see and hear how difficult it might be to talk to your partner, but also how rewarding and beneficial it can be.”
With a diverse student body, knowledge and understanding about sexuality is especially important, Bator said.
“Given MSU’s large population, comprised of thousands of people from many different backgrounds, it is safe to say that there has not been a consistent discussion about sex across cultures, backgrounds or sexes,” he said.
The Troupe’s “edu-tainment” factor has proven successful in engaging students in MSU’s neighborhoods, said Health Education Services Coordinator Dennis Martell, who helped create the Troupe when he was initially hired 20 years ago.
“Students today learn vicariously by watching reality television shows or going on Facebook,” Martell said.
“The Troupe has been engaging students in a community environment. Students have reported changing their behaviors and perceptions. We’re just trying to create individuals who make good choices about sexuality.”
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