Anti-drug play comes to middle school stage

Performances slated March 15 for eighth-graders, community

A play that conveys a strong anti-drug message will be performed for the second year in a row at Madison Middle School.

Madison Schools Students Against Destructive Decisions and the Fine Arts Association are collaborating to present “The Empty Chair.”

Two performances of “The Empty Chair” are slated for March 15 at the middle school, 6079 Middle Ridge Road in Madison Township. The first is for eighth-grade students at 2 p.m. and the second is a free presentation for the community at 7 p.m.

The play, by Tim Kelly, is set in a counseling center for teenagers recovering from substance abuse, according to a news release from Madison Schools. One of the teenagers’ peers, Robert, has just died from an overdose. During the play, each teen shares his or her memories of Robert.

The dramatic monologues tell the audience a great deal about each speaker and the terrors of drug abuse, the news release states.

In 2018, this same play was performed for middle-school students and the community in separate sessions.

Madison High School Resource Officer Ralf Caswell, who is assisting with the presentation, said he was hoping to do a different antidrug play this year. But after looking at various possibilities, “The Empty Chair” seemed to be the most appropriate choice for an eighth-grade audience.

The Fine Arts Association is helping to bring the play to Madison Middle School through its “Theatre for Healthy Living” program. This initiative uses live theater to address critical teen issues such as alcohol abuse, drugs and bullying. Lake Health is a primary sponsor of “Theatre for Healthy Living.”

Justin Steck, an acting director and instructor with the Fine Arts Association, is directing the play, which features performances by eight Madison High students.

“They’ve been rehearsing since January,” said Caswell, adding that another Madison High student is serving as a stage technician for the production.

The play itself lasts about a half-hour, Caswell said. After the student and community performances, specialists from area counseling agencies will be on hand to discuss the play, answer audience questions about drug abuse and provide information on community resources dealing with drug rehabilitation.

Caswell said he is hoping to see a good turnout of parents and other adults at the evening production of “The Empty Chair.”

“Maybe they’ll find one thing that helps the next kid (who deals with drug abuse),” Caswell said.

“Maybe they’ll find one thing that helps the next kid (who deals with drug abuse).” — Madison High School Resource Officer Ralf Caswell