Tim Collins performs his new play on bullying and identity at the OPL May 19

Actor and playwright Tim Collins will appear at Oneida Public Library’s Family Super Saturday, May 19, at 11 a.m. to premier his new one-man show “Speaking Up, Speaking Out,” a play for young students and their families that both entertains and offers profound lessons on countering bullying, expressing emotions and discovering real friendship.

Collins devised the play in response to the spring book selection for the One District/One Book program soon to be underway in the elementary schools in the Oneida City School District. Inspired by the main characters in that book, Collins has created for his play a number of interesting characters, for each of which he provides as an actor a thoroughly convincing portrayal.

“This fun and interactive play features compelling characters and passes along an important message in an entertaining and engaging way,” said Meagan Gillander, the OPL’s Youth Services Coordinator. “A perfect companion event to the One District/One Book selection, ‘Speaking Up, Speaking Out’ will have students talking.”

Collins, a 1992 graduate of Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School, previously appeared at the OPL back in 2012 with his performance of “Standing By, Standing Up,” a play focused on victims’ responses to bullying and the roles that bystanders can play when confronted with bullying.

Collins has toured nationally as a solo theater performer for over 17 years. In addition to “Standing By, Standing Up,” he has performed in schools, community centers and performance spaces his plays “The Script,” which concerns domestic violence against women; “TBH” (“To Be Honest”), a play about social media, cyberbullying and online relationships; and “On the Outskirts of Everything,” a comedy-drama in which he performs multiple characters.

Collins’ performance of “Speaking Up, Speaking Out” at the OPL is free and open to the public. For information, contact Meagan Gillander at the Oneida Public Library, 220 Broad St. or call 363-3050. For more information about Collins and his plays, see his web site at www.timcollinsonline.com.

By martha

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