Airmen learn about ‘Sex Signals’ and miscommunications

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Omari Bernard
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  More than 300 service members crowded into the Talkeetna Theater on JBER-Elmendorf Jan. 18 to see "Sex Signals," an improv interactive comedy show put on by actor Chris Beier and actress Judith Lesser.

The interactive presentation educated Airmen on the common misconceptions of bystander intervention, rape, and how to handle unwanted sexual advances. 

The intent of the program, by Catharsis Productions, is to "differ from traditional sexual assault prevention programs in that it incorporates improvisational comedy, education,
and audience interaction to provide a provocative look at dating, sex and the core issue of consent." 

Through improvisation and audience interaction, the play explores how social pressures, unrealistic fantasies, power inequity, and false preconceptions of the other sex all contribute to the tensions often found in dating.

To ensure audience participation, each member found they were given a blank card with the word "stop" in bold red words.

Each Airman was instructed to hold it up if and when a problem was detected during the act. 

The two-person play begins by taking an irreverent and funny look at the awkwardness of dating as the actors represent each gender's perspective. 

During one of the scenes, actress Lesser played the role of a stereotypical sweet, innocent and very passive young woman while actor Beier portrayed the role of a young, aggressive male.

Chris made consistent promiscuous advances. Judith quietly sat there and said little to nothing, but her body language was clear - the advances were unwelcome. 

Audience members immediately lifted their stop cards to indicate something was wrong with the situation and that the behavior should be stopped. 

The scene illustrated what can often happen in one-on-one social situations and it taught the audience how to properly respond if ever faced with a similar situation - not only as a person in the situation, but to intervene as a bystander. 

In the end, actors Beier and Lesser challenged audience members to get consent before engaging in any and all sexual activity every time. 

"The worst thing that could happen is that they say no," she said, "But it shows you actually care and you respect their decisions." 

The two-hour performance educated, informed and challenged Airmen with a comedic approach to the awkwardness involved in dating and sexual encounters. 

The presentation is one part of JBER's Sexual Assault Prevention and Resp
onse Office's planned events. 

The production is hosted regularly on JBER once or twice a year to ensure Airmen and Soldiers have a chance to attend.

Catharsis Productions developed and produced specialized versions of "Sex Signals" for each branch of the military - Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines.

They consulted with representatives from each branch to reflect the military jargon, customs, and courtesies of that particular branch of service within a customized script. 
For example, during a scene in the play Beier tells the crowd he's an enlisted Airman, but when he hits on Lesser in the scenario, he instead tells her that he's a pilot. 

The scenarios enabled the audience to recognize the true nature of rape, and to place full responsibility with the rapist - even if it's someone they know and like.

The Air Force defines "sexual assault" as sexual contact, characterized by use of force, threats, intimidation, abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent.

Lack of resistance, or submission resulting from the use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear, does not constitute consent.