Anti teen-drinking message comes to stage

A stage version of Straight up Reality Improv's "Reality Party for Parents" will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday April 10 at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Blvd.

The program will include a teen house party reenactment and panel discussion to increase parent awareness and understanding of the social issues and dangers young people face regarding underage and binge drinking.

Teen actors will portray young people at the party and will express attitudes and concerns that teens have reported in Straight Up and coalition youth focus groups.

"Many parents feel there's not much they can do. They are just told to talk to their teens," said Straight Up project director Katherine Kasmir.

"A better understanding of the specific issues teens are dealing with today, and the culture of risky behaviors, will allow parents to have more relevant and meaningful dialogue with their teens, and to set clear expectations and implement family policies that help keep their teens safe," Kasmir continued.

The event will include information about social and community factors that allow underage and binge drinking, and suggestions for community members on what they can do to help reduce the problems.

The event is open to adults only and admission is free.

To reserve seats, call (805) 955-9052.

For more information, visit www.straightupvc.org.

In a Nutshell

Actors will recreate a typical teenage party on Thursday, April 10 at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center to illustrate the social factors affecting underage and binge drinking. There is no cost. To reserve seats, call (805) 955-9052.