Chicago Children's Theatre

Share Your Story 1: Cailey G. and Tyler

We've been collecting stories about bullying from both the audience and the cast and crew of The Hundred Dresses. All of our submissions have been great -- thanks for the input, and keep it up everyone! This week, we highlight two reflections. In the first, audience member Cailey G. tells us about a time when she witnessed another girl be bullied.

Cailey's Story:

I was at a volleyball game watching the sixth graders play. It was the final match, and it was tied. A girl on the other team was serving -- and she didn't get it over. Her team lost the game. The team was so mad... one of her teammates walked up to her and slapped her across the face. I couldn't believe it! When someone on our team doesn't get a serve or a bump over, we would would go over and give her a high 5 and tell her good job. I was so glad that I wasn't on that other team.

In the second, Tyler Ravelson, who plays Willie Bounce in the show, reflects on something that happened to him at school and offers his advice to students.

Tyler's Story:

When I was a little kid, I was a little kid. Tiny. Miniscule. Once some kid called me Midgetis, and I kicked him in the shin… that didn't go well. He started chasing me and everyone saw me running, with him chasing, and they joined him. So there was a huge stampede behind me. I climbed up the play ladder in the playground and stayed there for the rest of recess.

The key is to be yourself and stick to being yourself. Don't compromise that. If school is tough for you, know that there are better times ahead. Do what makes you really happy. Work hard at what you want to do with your life and if you don't know what you want to do, just work hard. You'll find it.

You just have to stand up for who you are and be strong.

So, some questions to think about:

Does everyone in your class or on your team feel included? What can you do to make sure everyone feels welcome and supported? What would you do if you were in either of these situations?

Feel free to leave a comment, and don't forget to keep sending us your stories… shareyourstory@chicagochildrenstheatre.org!