Contact: Bruce Conley, News Information Director
Phone: (605) 274-5526
Fax: (605) 274-4903
e-mail: bruce_conley@augie.edu
www.augie.edu

January 29, 2003

'Girls Day Out' to Benefit 200 Elementary and Middle School Students

SIOUX FALLS - “Girls Day Out” is a special event for third through sixth grade girls initiated by The Children's Theatre Company of Sioux Falls, Augustana College, The Children's Home Society, and Children's Inn to provide an educational and enriching opportunity to promote confidence, caring, communication, and safety.

On Friday, February 14, 200 girls from Sioux Falls elementary and middle schools will come together on the Augustana campus to learn skills that teach them to be strong, safe, and assertive.

The day begins with a performance of “The Tomato Plant Girl” by the Children's Theatre Company of Sioux Falls. The play is about being the kind of friend you want to be. But, it is also a play about how young girls can bully, taunt, ridicule, and manipulate one another in an ugly dance for power and popularity in our society.

After the performance, the girls will participate in a series of workshops, discussions, and activities led by positive female role models from the community. By participating in “Girls Day Out,” youngsters will learn to cope with peer pressure, teasing, and violence.

“Girls Day Out” provides an opportunity for public and private agencies and institutions that have never been partners to work together. It is expected the partnership will result in a replicable pilot project for the benefit of pre-teens from Sioux Falls and the surrounding communities.

An additional 600 girls from Sioux Falls schools and surrounding communities will be invited to attend performances of “The Tomato Plant Girl” on Saturday, February 15, and Monday, February 17. Discussions follow each performance.

Public performances of “The Tomato Plant Girl” are scheduled for February 15 at 7:30 p.m.; February 16 at 2:00 p.m.; and February 17 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and students, and $1 for Augustana students. Group rates are available. For reservations call the Augustana box office at 274-5320. All performances will be on the main stage in the Edith Mortenson Center.

Sponsors for the performances are the Children's Home Society, Children's Inn, Sioux Valley Hospital, The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, and Augustana College.