Award-Winning Spoken Word Artist Takes On National Epidemic—Bullying In New Piece

Feb. 25, 2011 - PRLog -- Fushicho Entertainment and To and Fro Productions announced dates today for the premiere of “Outwordly Fabulous,” a one-woman show exploring the hot button topic of bullying and homophobia. Written and performed by award-winning spoken word artist, Pandora Scooter and directed by Cedric Hill, performances of this new work will commence at the Crossroads Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey on Thursday, March 10 and Friday, March 11. The production’s official website is www.OutwordlyFabulous.com.

Just under a third of students ages 12-18 reported that they had been bullied in school in a recent study by the National Center for Education statistics. The study, done during the 2007-2008 school year, found that the harassment predominantly came in the form of "being made fun of" and "being the subject of rumors." “Outwordly Fabulous” aims to heighten awareness of bullying and the underlying homophobia that often accompany it. The 90-minute piece also tackles inclusion as a major theme and promotes activism.

The New Jersey resident was compelled to write the show when she noticed her 11-year-old daughter was being bullied at school. Scooter, a Lesbian single mom recalls, “It broke my heart to see my baby come home in tears simply because others viewed her as different. I had to do something to create a dialogue that would empower students, parents and teachers.”  

The profound necessity for a performance piece like “Outwordly Fabulous” was underscored by the suicide of Rutgers University student, Tyler Clementi. Scooter, who is pursuing a Masters of Social Work at Rutgers University, immediately jumped into action following Clementi’s death by organizing a “Speak Out.”  She says, “I wanted to offer everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, a safe space to share their feelings about Tyler’s death. The event provided a forum to explore what actions we could take as a community to ensure a tragedy like this didn't happen again.” Scooter continues, “That evening inspired me to complete “Outwordly Fabulous” as its timely, relevant themes were sorely needed.”

“Outwordly Fabulous” will introduce audiences to several unforgettable characters in addition to combining monologues, poetry, audience interaction and spoken word. Says director Cedric Hill, “The show was designed to speak directly to teenagers, young adults and everyone who interacts with them—parents, teachers, principals, school counselors. It’s an inside look at what goes on in the school yard. We want to the show to lend a voice to countless students who suffer from bullying, while exploring some of the deep rooted issues associated with it, like homophobia.”  

“Outwordly Fabulous” will be performed at the Crossroads Theatre – 7 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, New Jersey on Thursday, March 10, at 3:15pm and 8:00pm and Friday, March 11, at 11:00am and 8:00pm. A pre-show reception replete with wine and hors devours will be held at the theater on Friday, March 11, from 6:00pm-7:30pm. Ticket prices for both matinees are $15 ($10 for students). Evening performances cost $25 ($20 for seniors; $15 for students). Tickets to the pre-show reception and performance cost $45. Tickets may be purchase in advance at www.SmartTix.com or at the door the day of each performance. For group sales, call 732-354-1328.

For more information, visit www.OutwordlyFabulous.com. To arrange an interview with Pandora Scooter, contact Haasan Morse at Morse Code PR – Haasan@MorseCodePR.com or 917-576-0130.

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