In 2015 Naked Frank Theatre began working on Banter Vs Bullying. Teaming up with Fixersthey created a short film to launch the campaign to the community. Written by Carleigh-Ann Portelli and George Gregory; the film highlights the consequences of when 'banter' becomes homophobic 'bullying' in the school environment. Working alongside a handful of professional actors the cast mainly comprised of young performers in training between the ages of thirteen to twenty.
"The most important part of this process was giving young people a voice. We could have chosen an all professional cast but that would have spoiled the integrity of the piece. Our aim was to educate and inspire young people; so it was imperative that young people were part of the project."
After shooting the film, Naked Frank Theatre continued to work with Fixers to deliver interactive forum theatre workshops to the community to educate more young people.
"When homophobia in every UK school stops, we'll know we've done our job. Until then, the campaign continues."
JOIN THE CAMPAIGN
Banter Vs Bullying is part of the Stop It Before It Starts! Campaign, an anti-homophobia campaign aimed at 13-18 year olds in the UK. The campaign is geared towards stopping homophobia before it starts in the school environment. Our message is clear; it's okay to be gay and you have a choice to bully someone; choose not to! Stop It Before It Starts!
Follow Us On Twitter @NFKTheatre
Spread The Word #StopItBeforeItStarts
CREATIVE TEAM
DIRECTOR George Gregory
CAST Carleigh-Ann Portelli Claire Louise Portelli Rebecca Briley Jacob Davies-Giles Kameron Mechen-Smith Natalie Murphy Anna Regelous Billie Hewitt Grace Knowles Mari Beasley Sarah Salmon Mary Redmond Isaac Trinder Sonny Nettleingham Nicole Nettleingham Amber Rose Young
