Sex Signals improv comedy show delivers serious message to young audience

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Austin M. May
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Airmen, regardless of rank, are required to take annual Sexual Assault Awareness training.

However, most briefings on the subject don't make references to velociraptors, Chuck Norris, Harry Potter and heavy machinery.

Using humor and audience participation, Ben Murrie and Courtney Abbot, actors with Illinois-based Catharsis Productions, used terms and phrases common on any Air Force base to connect with Airmen and deliver their important message April 13. Their play, "Sex Signals," took an off-the-beaten-path approach to sexual assault education.

Using Air Force terminology as if it were second nature, the pair had the audience rolling with laughter when it was appropriate, but intently listening to their message throughout the entire presentation.

"The way they presented the information made me feel relaxed," said Airman 1st Class Nate Sheriff, 727th Air Mobility Squadron, who said the true-to-life examples the actors used were a pleasant change to standard briefings, and the relaxed atmosphere took the edge off the fact that they were talking about rape.

The company puts on shows for all branches of the military, with consultants for each to ensure their use of acronyms and terminology is correct, and performs at locations around the globe. They also work with schools and universities, but Ms. Abbott said the military is somewhat easier to talk to.

"With the Armed Forces, you're working with a crowd which already has an honor code," Mr. Murrie said. "Military members have already subscribed to an organization with creeds and morals."

Ms. Abbott said of the different branches of the military, the Air Force stands out because presentations on Air Force bases usually have more women in the audience.

"It may be a difference of one percent versus five percent, but that little bit makes a difference in audience participation," she said. She explained how, in her opinion, men act differently when there are more women in the audience.

Audience members were prompted throughout the show to give advice and ideas to the actors, who improvised much of their act based on participation from the Airmen in the crowd. From asking for suggestions on pickup lines during dating scenarios to letting the audiences recommend when to stop the "action," the actors expertly modified their routine to include viewer input while still getting their message across.

Between jokes and skits, they made sure everyone watching was clear on where military members could go if they needed help dealing with sexual assault. While uncouth, the performance got the message out and struck a chord with the young Airmen in the audience.

"All briefings should be as lively as this one," Airman Sheriff said.