About Falling

The Project AWARE Players are a teen theater group that has reached thousands of people by creating and presenting powerful performances addressing issues of concern to young people. The troupe has taken the lead in creating the movie “Falling” which raises awareness about youth prescription drug abuse. In addition to acting in the film, the Players wrote the script and directed the production. The DVD is available for educational use in schools and other community venues. The movie premiered to an audience of over 300 people at City Theater in Biddeford, Maine on February 7, 2007.

“Falling” was released by the Project AWARE Players in March 2007 to raise awareness about youth prescription drug abuse.

The DVD “Falling” has been widely distributed. This past June, Project AWARE surveyed people who had received a copy. Amongst the respondents “Falling” had been used in a variety of settings ranging from classrooms to assemblies to community presentations and has reached thousands of people in just 8 months. The perceived and / or documented impact of the showings were overwhelming positive. A few sample comments from the survey are:

“Students were stunned that 'no one saw it' (the prescription drug abuse) when it seemed so obvious to them ...it helped hone their desire to care more about their fellow students and peers.”

“The students became more aware of the dangers of prescription drug abuse.”

“It is well produced and provides a realistic look at how easy it is to become addicted to prescription drugs.”

“I have watched that very thing happen to many people.”

“Showed it to high school ... they loved it, generated great discussion and even confusion about why no one cared enough to address the issue more strongly.”

“Powerful message - powerful process. Well done and cause for conversation.”

Further outcomes include, Project AWARE’s distribution of “Falling” by mail to every public middle and high school principal in Maine; an article about the Project AWARE Players and “Falling appeared in the national publication “Pharmacy Times” reaching over 174,000 pharmacists; a nonprofit in the country of Ecuador wants 50 copies of “Falling” to distribute to Universities; and a collaboration with Acadia Hospital in Northern Maine who assisted with “Falling” marketing and distribution.