"The youth of our nation are consistently bombarded with images that portray the use of tobacco and alcohol as cool. We want the youth of our community to understand the dangers that the misuse and abuse of these substances pose to themselves and their loved ones. We hope that through our unique educational approach that these students will make the right choices as a student and as an adult,"
Ron Iannone, Founder and Producing Artistic Director WVPT
T.A.R.G.E.T.
Tobacco and Alcohol Resistance Gets Everyone Together
Students sign a "drug free" pledge banner at the 2000 year end celebration.

T.A.R.G.E.T. is a tobacco and alcohol awareness program sponsored by West Virginia Public Theatre (WVPT), Mon Health Systems Inc. and the Monongalia County Schools.First implemented in 1997, the T.A.R.G.E.T. Program was conceptualized by Ron Iannone, founder of WVPT. Through a collaborative effort with corporate partners, this awareness program brings tough lessons about tobacco and alcohol use and their destructiveness to life through the art of theatre. Now in its 10th year, over 700 area 7th grade students graduate from the program every year.

"I am the Brother of Dragons" play held at each middle school this fall.

The program revolves around the presentation of the drama "I Am the Brother of the Dragons" performed by the Saltworks Theatre Company of Pittsburgh. The theatre company visited each of the five participating schools to perform the drama. Working closely with teachers, school psychologists and counselors, the T.A.R.G.E.T. Program also provides classroom teachers with teaching-learning units to back up the messages brought forth through the dramatic production. Students participate in pre- and post- production activities designed to encourage thoughtful discussion and exploration.

Corporate Sponsors and teachers plan for TARGET project.

The T.A.R.G.E.T. Program is already showing impressive numbers. Recently, a study written by Ron Iannone and Sally Stephenson, educator at Frostburg State University, show that Monongalia County students have an increased knowledge of the negative affects of alcohol and tobacco use, and use of alcohol and tobacco has lessened among T.A.R.G.E.T. Program participants.

For more information about the T.A.R.G.E.T. Program or to find out how you can get involved, please contact Ron Iannone at WVPT at (304) 291-4122.