A Shot Of Reality, Alcohol Awareness

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors experienced "A Shot Of Reality" comedy presentation at the Norfolk Naval Station Navy Youth Center, presented by Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (NDAP) during drink responsibly month, June 5.

"A Shot of Reality" is a comedy act that raises the awareness of the affects of drugs and alcohol that is realistic, interactive, fun for all, and is an alternative to traditional training.

"Usually I wouldn't expect this kind of training to be fun, but I couldn't help but laugh when they pulled my shipmates up onstage to help act," said Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Nelson Runyan from amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7).

Colin Sweeney and Bryce Wissel, actors from Mission IMPROVable, presented a sketch comedy show for the Sailors in the audience. Their act alternated between improvisations in which the audience participates and educational sketches that presented facts and statistics.

"We started doing comedy more than ten years ago in college and we have performed on naval bases before doing any sort of alcohol awareness," said Sweeney. "After receiving feedback and getting requests to help educate people in alcohol awareness, we got with local law enforcement, doctors, Alcoholics Anonymous and Mothers Against Drunk Driving for pertinent information to craft an exciting educational experience."

Colin and Bryce addressed issues such as binge drinking, health risks, alcohol misuse, drunk driving, assault, social mistakes and alcohol related laws.

"I was surprised by the level of knowledge the actors had about alcohol awareness," said Machinist's Mate 1st Class Amagouno Minta from Iwo Jima. "I learned a few new things and I know my junior sailors took a lot home from this show too."

Colin and Bryce are scheduled to perform "A Shot of Reality" at Naval Station San Diego, June 20.

For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacennorfolk/.