it gets better Set for Weeklong Residency in the Fox Valley, 2/16-21

One of the most challenging issues among today's LGBT young adults and adolescents is bullying. For one week this February, the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and INCLUDE will put a spotlight on this issue in the Fox Valley community.

it gets better, Feb. 16-21, is a performing arts response to the difficult issue of bullying led by members of the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA). The weeklong residency will feature two public performances and 10 residency activities including school visits and community conversations that will impact approximately 5,000 students and adults. A community choir made up of approximately 50 local singers will also perform with the cast during the Saturday evening performance.

"Our mission for the week is to rally the community around the central issue of bullying and promote a welcoming, inclusive and safe Fox Valley community for all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity," said Chad Hershner, co-chair of INCLUDE.

The It Gets Better project began in 2010 when Dan Savage and his partner Terry Miller were inspired to take action after being moved by too many stories of young lives being cut short as a result of bullying and isolation, especially students who identified as LGBT.

GMCLA was established in 1979 to bring an end to homophobia and discrimination of all kinds through entertainment and education. The chorus has been working with students since 2008 with their first residency, the Alive Music Project. The it gets better program combines elements of both projects into one powerful weeklong residency.

"The performing arts gives us a platform to launch a discussion that might be too difficult for many youth to start in everyday life," said Amy Gosz, director of programming and community engagement for the Fox Cities P.A.C. "For every student that participates in a residency activity we are encouraging conversation and reinforcing that all people deserve respect."

PUBLIC PERFORMANCES:

it gets better piano bar

Tuesday, Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

Kimberly-Clark Theater

Tickets: $35

Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles Presents
it gets better

Saturday, Feb 21, 7:30 pm

Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

Thrivent Financial Hall

Tickets: adults $15, students $7.50

Tickets for both performances will go on sale Friday, Jan. 23 at 10 a.m. in person at the Fox Cities P.A.C. ticket office. Tickets are also available on Ticketmaster online and by phone at (800) 982-2787. Additional fees may apply.

RESIDENCY ACTIVITIES:

GMCLA will host residency activities at the following high schools: Appleton East, Appleton North, Appleton West, Kaukauna, Menasha and Neenah. The public is invited to attend and participate in community conversation at the following events:

LGBT Partnership Meeting, a program of Goodwill Industries NCW (students ages 14-18)
Monday, Feb. 16, 4-5:30 p.m.
Boys & Girls Club of the Fox Valley
160 S. Badger Ave, Appleton

World Café Event
Thursday, Feb. 19, 6-9 p.m.
UW-Fox Valley
1478 Midway Road, Menasha

it gets better Journey
Friday, Feb. 20, 12-1 p.m.
UW-Fox Valley
1478 Midway Road, Menasha

Each of these events is open to the community on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about the it gets better residency activities visit foxcitiespac.com.

ABOUT THE FOX CITIES PERFORMING ARTS CENTER - The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in downtown Appleton, provides a premier venue for live performing arts. Since 2002, the Center has proudly served as a gathering place for the community to engage in educational opportunities while enhancing a greater understanding and appreciation of the live performing arts. The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center - Where the Arts Come Alive!

ABOUT INCLUDE - The INCLUDE initiative came about following a ThedaCare-led Community Health Action Team (C.H.A.T.) Plunge in December 2011. The plunge involved 60 leaders who all gathered together to grow in understanding of the challenges facing the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. The mission of INCLUDE is to engage in the Fox Valley to deepen understanding, change behaviors and embrace the LGBT community.

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