Preliminary Evaluation of the ‘Playing the Game’ Sexual Assault Prevention Theatre Program

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of a one-time sexual assault prevention theatre performance against a similar content video performance and a non-intervention control group. Methods: Using the College Date Rape Attitudes and Behaviors Survey, four-hundred ninety-seven students provided matched pairs data for analysis. Results: At a three-month follow-up when compared to students in other groups, those participating in the theatre program had limited, but noticeable attitude changes and one significant behavior change. Specifically, participants in the theatre group changed their attitudes on women provoking rape, ‘no’ meaning ‘no’ and stopping activity when consent is not stated. Discussion: Educational content/dialogue must be very specific when addressing individual topics on attitudes people hold on the subject of sexual assault. Theatrical performances may be effective programming to reduce sexual assaults on college campuses.