The STOP AIDS Mobile Theatre

A Few Facts

• It is estimated that over 42 million people worldwide are infected with HIV.
• Approximately 900,000 Americans are living with HIV/AIDS, and many of them don't know they are infected.
• Some 40,000 are newly infected with HIV in this country every year.
• At least one-half of all new HIV infections are estimated to be among those under the age of 25.
• HIV is 100% preventable. Knowledge is the key to stopping the spread of this disease.
  

Recommended scenes for a show HIV and AIDS include:

• Facts - We open with a simple and humorous explanation the three ways the virus is spreading from person to person.
  
  
• HIV in the body - This is an interactive scene of how the virus works in the body. Members of the audience participate in costumes with props. We explain how the virus attacks the cells, how HIV infection can result in AIDS, and how medicine, while not a cure, in many cases can reduce the amount of virus in a person's body.
  
  
• Mistakes - This is a series of scenes that portray the misconceptions relating to the AIDS virus and how it is NOT contracted. These scenes are funny and full of crazy characters but give the audience a chance to test their knowledge of how HIV does not spread. We can have a healthy fear of HIV without being afraid of the people who are infected.
  
  
• Choices - This scene portrays the peer pressure that someone may encounter when it comes to relationships and choices about sex. We focus on the choice to abstain from or postpone sex and the importance of self-esteem and self-worth.
  
  
• Domino Effect - This scene portrays how HIV might spread over time from person to person. It makes many points about contraction including: how the use of alcohol and drugs increases risk, how few or even one event of at-risk behavior can infect someone, and even a happy couple getting married is not immune if at-risk behaviors are in someone's past. The end result of this scene is the contraction of HIV by a wide variety of individuals who must then take responsibility for their own decisions.
  
  
• If I Only Had A Condom - This scene portrays the responsibility of both partners for carrying protection (i.e. condoms) and not just assuming the other one will.
  
  
• Love's not for sale - This scene depicts one person pressuring another into a sexual situation by convincing them that they owe it to the person for whatever reason… a night on the town, drugs and alcohol, relationship. This skit exemplifies "empowerment."
  
  
• Condom Mistakes - This scene looks at the many mistakes people makes regarding condom use. While condoms will never be 100% effective at prevent the spread of HIV, other STI's or unwanted pregnancies, they fail most often due to mistakes the users make such as: uses two condoms at once, using all natural condoms, failing to check expiration date, storing them improperly, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol during use.
  
  
• Other Consequences - These scenes take a brief look at the other consequences of unprotected sex including unwanted pregnancy and other sexual transmitted infections. (STI's) We make the points that it takes two people to make a baby and both are responsible. People aren't always honest even if they know they have a STI. A person who thinks he or she might have an infection must be honest with their doctor, nurse, or health care worker. One out of four sexually active young people will get contract an STI's.

  Watch a short video about the Stop AIDS Mobile Theatre! Running time about 3 min.

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