The interACT Performance Troupe visited Rota's base theater to deliver unique, scenario-based Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) training to service members and civilians, April 6 and 7.

interACT is a nationally renowned social-justice performance troupe based out of California State University in Long Beach, California.

The troupe comprises 30 actors who have received victim advocacy training, and provide interactive training in different social subjects including sexual assault, racism and homophobia.

"April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and we have interACT here to provide an interactive performance that highlights bystander intervention," said Capt. Greg Pekari, commander, U.S. Naval Activities Spain. "It's a great opportunity for the audience to participate and for everyone to get great training."

The troupe's performance, which was developed in collaboration with experts in sexual trauma and based on current research, is designed to help audience members recognize the warning signs of abusive relations, better understand how individuals feel after being raped, and learn how to effectively intervene in order to prevent assaults.

"We are a little different than traditional theater," said Kelly Pfleider, interACT lead facilitator. "Typically, the audience has that line that separates them from the actors on stage. We obliterate that line. We believe in co-creating the show together with the audience. Instead of doing the show for you, we do the show with you."

During the performance, the troupe acted out different situations revolving around sexual assault, while balancing thought-provoking conversation with humor. Sailors volunteered to participate in several scenarios on stage and others sitting in the crowd interacted from their seats.

"It was interactive and audience participation makes a big difference when it comes to learning," said Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Brian Berkley. "I went up on stage a few times during the skits and was a little nervous. I've had friends go through things like this [sexual assault] so this topic hits home for me. I can be the person someone can turn to if something like this happens again."

Timothy Maurer, the naval program manager for interACT, said their programs have been proven effective in multiple published studies and they have performed around the world.

"The fact that the audience members are coming up on stage and being active in the performance really makes a difference," said Maurer. "It makes the message have more of a lasting impact on them."

The troupe originated in the school's communications studies department and performs for incoming college freshmen, athletes and military members. Since July they have performed 89 training performances in 26 different locations, reaching more than 27,000 service members, said Maurer.

For more information about sexual assault prevention contact Judy Nicholson, Naval Station Rota's sexual assault response coordinator at 727-3232, or visit http://www.sapr.mil.

For more news from Naval Station Rota, Spain, visit www.navy.mil/.