Since we begain in 2006, our live tour of NORMAL THE MUSICAL (now called PRETTY TO THE BONE) has been presented in more than 40 high schools, universities, medical, educational and arts conferences and festivals worldwide.
What was the NIS Program?
The award-winning NIS Program is comprised of three parts:
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[pane]75-minute presentation of the musical nor•mal / Pretty to the Bone
The 75-minute performance tells the true story of a family torn apart by an eating disorder through the eyes of the mother. Written by New York Foundation Artists & Art award winner Yvonne Adrian, Broadway veteran actress and writer Cheryl Stern, and Emmy award-winning composer Tom Kochan, Pretty To The Bone is a dynamic, fresh, and humorous rock musical characterized by short, episodic scenes, stylization, and deeply resonant and emotional storytelling. The musical goes beyond a standard informational presentation – it is a highly artistic theatrical work meant not only to raise awareness of eating disorders and family communication but also to demonstrate the healing power of theatre itself.[/pane]
[pane]Talkback with experts specializing in the treatment of eating disorders and persons in recovery
The mandatory 20-minute talkback immediately follows the live theatrical performance and allows for the audience to have their questions answered by experienced, dedicated listeners.[/pane]
[pane]90 page Curriculum which includes:
- Lessons for middle school and high school English, Health, Consumer Education, Family Systems, and Drama classes, written or reviewed by teachers, Certified Eating Disorder Specialists, and others.
- Reflection and discussion questions designed to guide students in thinking more deeply about the musical nor•mal and the issues it raises.
- Handouts and study guides for the classroom, post-show discussion materials, and resources and contact information for getting help.
- A section covering life skills such as nutrition, mindfulness, healthy communication and stress management.[/pane]
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Produce the Musical in Your School!
Now managed through Miracle or 2 Productions, you can license the musical and produce it in your own school or university! Click here to visit their site!
Efficacy of NIS Program
2011 UW-Madison
Post program questionnaires were handed to audience members immediately after program. Of the 200+ who RSVP’d to attend, 97 submitted survey responses. 79% said that the musical program increased their understanding about eating disorders. 63% said that the program provided tools to encourage loved ones to seek help.
2008 Iowa State University Study (Poster)
Evaluation of surveys distributed after live presentation of the musical program. Of the participants who were currently struggling with an eating disorder, 55% reported they were more willing to seek help after experiencing our program. Click here for written assessment.