Theater professor recognized for ReACT! program

Allison Metz, assistant professor of theater at Grand Valley, is the recipient of the 2015 Lin Wright Special Recognition Award from the American Alliance of Theatre and Education (AATE).

Metz received the special recognition for her work as program director of ReACT!, a group of student actors at Grand Valley who use theater performances on campus to raise awareness of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.

The Lin Wright Special Recognition Award honors those who have established special programs, developed experimental work, made a distinctive educational contribution or provided praiseworthy services furthering theater and drama for young people.

While the AATE award is in Metz’s name, she said it is an honor that belongs to everyone involved in ReACT!

“ReACT! is a shining example of how ‘it takes a village’ to effectively raise social awareness and change,” Metz said. “Now that ReACT! has been nationally recognized, I’m excited about continuing to explore ways to grow and expand our positive impact on campus communities near and afar.”

Metz will receive the award at the national AATE conference the first week of August in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

ReACT! exists through a partnership between Grand Valley’s Women’s Center and School of Communications’ theater program. During performances, students encourage audience members to explore how they can engage in realistic, safe and effective methods of preventing interpersonal violence and help survivors connect with valuable social services.

“ReACT! actors are consistently involved in high-impact learning experiences that empower them to question the status quo, responsibly resist institutionalized oppressions and practice ways to make their world a more socially just place,” Metz said. “Audience members get to realize that a scary, taboo topic like interpersonal violence can be discussed with high energy in productive ways.”

For more information about ReACT!, visit www.gvsu.edu/theatre.