SUBMISSIONS

"Stories in this performance are not all about violence, they are all about outwardly and explicitly sharing things that are normally hushed by judgement or 'lady likeness.' The Beaver Monologues is about giving a voice to experiences that are normally silenced." -Nicole Fairburn, LSW, Beaver Monologue performer.

"This experience helped me better understand my own experiences of being a woman. While I was listening to the performance, I didn't feel like I was alone anymore." - Anonymous

SUBMISSIONS

Submissions will be accepted online from November 13th - January 19th at midnight. Submissions can be submitted at the bottom of this page. Please read directions and the terms of consent for submissions.

AUDITIONS

January 21st and 23rd

6:15 PM - 9:15 PM

Location: TBA

This project aims to give the members in in the Bluffton community a more public stage created from many voices, because every story has power. Your story has power, it has meaning. We are looking for your story, about your experiences in life. It could be angry, funny, serious, sad, hopeful, painful, and/or prideful. The stories could address body image, belonging, peer pressure, development, gender identity, a discovery, confusion, sexual assault or rape, sexual orientation, relationships, etc. This project is looking to capture the complexity of human experiences as well as gain an understanding of our community standards and relations.

To help spark the writing process, some things to think about might be significant experiences or conversations you have had. What is something you have never been able to talk about but you wish it was easier to discuss? What kinds of discussions do you wish were happening on campus?

The following are questions for you to consider. Your story is welcome to include answers to these questions, but is certainly not limited.
-How does gender impact (your) relationships?
-What experiences have you had that add to your gender awareness?
-How do you experience the ability to be stereotypical feminist or feminine?

- What was your first sexual experience like?
-How do you feel feminism or gender inequality is perceived on campus?
-How do you experience gender stereotypes at Bluffton?
-What is your experience as a woman in the Bluffton community?
-What is your experience as a woman / member of the LGBTQ+ community on campus?
-If you were involved in “The Vagina Monologues” or a previous production of "The Beaver Monologues", what was your experience as a performer? What was your perception of the response from the campus community?

-How have you experienced sexuality in your life?

Before submitting a story, review the terms of consent below:

I give my consent for the use of my voluntarily submitted story for “The Beaver Monologues” project. I understand the following:

The purpose of the project is to open dialogue on campus and allow local members in our community to speak about otherwise stigmatized topics in an anonymous manner

While the writing of a personal story may be cathartic, I am aware that writing a submission may be painful to share or could trigger some trauma

- If in need of support, Counselor Ms. Rae Staton is available free of charge to Bluffton University students. Appointments may be scheduled by calling the student life office at 419-358-3247, by contacting Rae directly at 419-358-3449, or via email at studentlife@bluffton.edu or statonr@bluffton.edu

I am not required to answer all questions

All names will be removed as well as any identifying information

The primary investigator reserves the right to select which submissions or which pieces of each submission are chosen for the final production

I understand that words, phrases and excerpts of my submission may be used in visual aids in this performance such as; eg. art work, props, etc.

The final script will be publicly accessible at http://beavermonologues.webs.com/ as well as on reserve at the Bluffton University Library.

Selected submission will be shared in a public performance that will be recorded, and the script may be distributed through other media venues

I have the choice to submit my contribution electronically via Google form that will identify my story with a six digit code, not my name

Submitting a story does not remove my right to privacy, but confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. If the submission presents information regarding a possible crime being committed or harm to self, school and law enforcement officials will need to be notified as is required by state law.

- If in considering your story you would like to report a crime, you can contact Mark Bourassa or the Bluffton Police Department directly.

+Mark Bourassa: Title XI Coordinator

phone- 419-358-3217

Email- bourassam@bluffton.edu

+Police Department:

-Scott Shairk Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Email: shairks@bluffton.edu

Emergency line- 419-358-4050

Non-Emergency line- 419-358-2961

-Iris Neufeld Title IX Investigator

Email: neufeldi@bluffton.edu

If you find yourself needing extra support, please know there are resources available for you.