School Assemblies
“I believe this has to be the best assembly I have seen in all my 22 years as an educator.
Saltworks dealt with a very real problem in a way that our students could relate.
The program was very real, human, and down to earth.
Bravo to Saltworks for an amazing performance on this issue.”
– Guidance Counselor, Hollidaysburg Area Senior High
About our School Assemblies
Award-winning, entertaining, and educational school assemblies which make clear the consequences of substance abuse, bullying, and social media danger, yet contain an equal measure of hope. . .the hope that comes from making a life-affirming choice instead of a destructive one.
Saltworks has provided schools with high energy, pertinent assemblies since 1983. Addressing issues like bullying, drugs and alcohol, social media, character education, etc., our shows educate, challenge, and inspire students to make healthy, positive choices in difficult situations. These are age appropriate plays for K-12, performed by 5 professional actors, followed by informative Q&A sessions.
In addition to the information provided below, you may download our latest Social Issues Educational Dramas Brochure (24-25 Brochure) that contains information on school assemblies, or call 412-621-6150.
Bring a Saltworks play to your students and watch them use their imagination to resolve conflict, reach out for new healthy relationships, and discover hope for their lives! Read what these schools said after they brought a Saltworks assembly to their school.
Download a brochure here: 24-25 Brochure
Current Elementary School Shows:
(Click show title for Synopsis.)
Alex Rewrites the Wrongs
by Tom Long
Grades K-5
The issues: Character (Responsibility & Respect), Compromise, Teamwork
This Elementary School show will encourage kids to be a leader by doing the right thing, even when no one is looking. Inspired by Sean Covey’s book, 7 Habits of Happy Kids, this interactive play will inspire children to be proactive in order to see change in their lives and to be a leader in starting that change. This play will educate students that they should live according to principles such as responsibility, compromise, teamwork, and respect.
(Meets PA Standards: 5.2, 9.1, 9.3, 11.2, 16.1-3)
Fearsome Foursome
by Tom Long
Grades K-5
The issues: Kindness, Inclusiveness, Stereotypes
Fearsome Foursome follows the quest of four elementary students as they work their way to success during their schools’ Operation Brainpower competition. Each student embraces their unique strengths as they work as a team to complete the challenges. One student has a change of heart and learns to accept his teammates despite their differences.
(Meets PA Standards: 5.2, 9.1, 9.3, 11.2, 16.1-3)
Wellness Warriors
Our new show about mental & physical wellness!
by Devin Marshall & Kurt Stridinger
Grades K-5
The issues: physical and mental health and wellness
With the help of the audience and a superhero who is devoted to helping kids make healthy choices, four elementary students learn how to handle “villains” like Feeling Frenzies, Distractinators, and Malicious Mirrors. The characters (and audience!) learn about mindfulness and how to take care of themselves both mentally and physically. At the end of the show they realize that they can be superheroes, too, by using what they’ve learned to help others!
(Meets PA Standards 5.2, 9.1, 9.3, 10.1-3, 11.2, & 16.1-3)
Current Middle & High School Shows:
(Click show title for Synopsis.)
When Panic Attacks
Our new show about anxiety and social media
by Tom Long
Grades 6-12
The issues: Anxiety, negative body image, social media
Students are facing increased pressure for acceptance. Social media apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat can present an idealized version of the lives of influencers and friends alike. The pressure to fit in can lead students to develop anxiety, negative body image, and a preoccupation with social media. When Panic Attacks addresses these issues through the lives of students who have experienced them and reached out for help.
(Meets PA Standards: 9.1, 9.3, 10.1-3, 11.2, 16.1-3)
The Choice
by Tom Long
Grades 7-12
The issues: Vaping, E-cigarettes
Teen game show contestants are tested on their knowledge of vaping. A variety of scenes cover the science behind vaping’s impact on mental and physical health, the way vaping is marketed to young people, and the long-term repercussions of vaping.
(Meets PA Standards: 9.1, 9.3, 10.1-3, 16.1-3)
Off ‘Script
by Tom Long
Grades 7-12
The issues: Opioid and Heroin Abuse, Prescription Drug Abuse, Peer Pressure
The misuse of prescription drugs is often overlooked and unnoticed for too long. The cause and effect of pain killers can be very different for individuals and lead to a lifetime of treatment and suffering. In Off ‘Script, three students share their stories of addiction to prescription drugs, the consequences of their actions, and their journey to hope and healing.
(Meets PA Standards: 9.1, 9.3, 10.1-3, 16.1-3)
2.5 million + students
have experienced our award winning school assemblies
We help make clear the consequences of…
- opioid & prescription drug misuse
- heroin use
- drug & alcohol abuse
- vaping
- cyber bullying
- verbal and physical bullying
- and more…
Program Includes:
- Plays are performed by professional actors and run 45-50 minutes in length. Each performance is followed by a 10-15 minute Q & A session which invites students to explore the issues further.
- Educator curriculum guides containing pre- and post-show classroom exercises are provided free of charge to prepare students for the school assembly and stimulate communication around the issues.
- Dynamic, interactive, and inspiring plays performed for children and youth addressing issues of alcohol and drug abuse, bullying (cyberbullying), anxiety, and self worth.
Testimonials
These schools brought a Saltworks assembly to their students. Read what they said…
“This was one of the best educational performances ever! My students were thoroughly entertained. Please keep West Mifflin in mind for future performances.”
– Principal, West Mifflin
“Outstanding show! The performers were excellent, engaging, and fun to watch! Our students were engaged and involved throughout the shows. The Message was perfect for our students to hear, it was right on point for our students. The Cast did a wonderful job during the Q&A period, taking time to answer all questions that were asked.”
– Mr. Hellinger, Shaler Area Middle School
“The students are completely engaged in the performance. These real life scenarios are ones that they can relate to on a daily basis. The actors perform in a way that captures the attention of Elementary students and they do a wonderful job every year.”
– Muse Elementary School
“Great performance! Our Students were engaged throughout the production. The entire Saltworks crew and staff were professional to work with.”
– Trinity South Elementary School
“The actors and actresses were very positive and respectful. The students and staff at Long Drain School enjoyed the performance immensely. We would love to be considered for future shows. The theatre tied into our PBIS and the lessons we want our children to think about daily.”
– Long Drain School
“The performance was 100% applicable to my 5th grade class. My students even said that the play sounded as if it was written for them.”
– Verner Elementary School
“Students enjoyed the play; they were very engaged during the show. Many hands were up at the end to ask questions. Students would have continued to ask questions if teachers did not stop them to line them up to return to class. Many students said they loved the play and want Saltworks to return. A teacher said this was her first time experiencing Saltworks and she really enjoyed the play.”
– Pittsburgh Spring Hill
“Rich content, perfect length for 3-5 grade group, immediately applicable to real world situations, particularly in a school setting.”
– Pittsburgh Whittier
“Topic of today’s play was right on target.”
– Lenape Technical School
“The actors were very professional and did a wonderful job. The students really enjoyed their characters. The Q & A afterward went very well. The actors did a very good job engaging students and answering their questions.”
– Pittsburgh Carmalt
“You did such an awesome job at our school…I am delighted with the two wonderful presentations.”
– North American Martyrs
“Students were able to relate to the topic especially since it goes with our Olweus curriculum.”
– Big Beaver Elementary School
“Dialogue after the show is the strength of the performance. Great show!!”
– Pittsburgh Spring Hill
“The production, as always, was well done!!”
– Pittsburgh King K-8
“The students were active participants. The cast was very engaging and enthusiastic.”
– Burgettstown Area Elementary School
“Students were engaged from start to finish. Great play!!”
– Bethlehem-Center Elementary School
“The staff at ATA were receptive and appreciative of the proactive curriculum provided electronically by Saltworks. It provided staff and students an overall preview of what to anticipate from the educational drama.”
– Pittsburgh Allegheny 6-8
“I believe this has to be the best assembly I have seen in all my 22 years as an educator. Saltworks dealt with a very real problem in a way that our students could relate. The program was very real, human, and down to earth. Bravo to Saltworks for an amazing performance on this issue.”
– Guidance Counselor, Hollidaysburg Area Senior High
“You have a great production. I believe that our students not only enjoy it each year, but also learn from it as well. Thank you!”
– Burgettstown Area Middle High School
“The performance felt very real to watch which is important since middle school students struggle when something seems fake and childish. We really appreciated the talk afterward and wish we had more time!”
– Winchester Thurston
“I love the Saltworks productions as they are professionally produced and inspire courageous conversations.”
– Pittsburgh Beechwood
“The presentation was very appropriate for the current times and I believe it will have an impact on students. The Saltworks group is very good at delivering messages that are relevant, timely, and necessary for young people to hear over and over again.”
– Principal, Burgettstown Junior Senior High School
“The students and staff loved the performance and I would highly recommend other schools to invite this company in for an assembly. The students benefit from the core values that are taught and the play helps in implementing character education.”
– Pittsburgh Liberty
“As a teacher, you’re always looking to make a good impression on the students. But students can’t always relate to teachers, especially when it comes to how students should be acting in school. That’s where Saltworks Theatre comes in! Instead of being told what to do, students were able to see different situations play out right in front of their eyes! They saw a situation turn out not so good, and then were given the chance to see a situation play out where everyone involved is making the right decision. Saltworks was able to show the students kindness and how to use it in real life situations.”
– Pittsburgh Fulton
“It was such a good teaching tool! Our kids really *really* needed to see that!”
– Pittsburgh Fulton
“Each actor was ‘all in’. They gave wonderful, enthusiastic performances.”
– Pittsburgh Banksville
“I had students at every grade level comment to me that they enjoyed the play. The production was excellent. Our students laughed at appropriate times and seemed engaged for the entire time. Student questions were thoughtfully answered. The actors were high energy and had great rapport with the various age groups.”
– Pittsburgh Beechwood
“This is the best program I have ever seen!”
– Superintendent, North Allegheny School District
“Wonderful performance! Instant rapport with the students! It felt as if the scriptwriters had been taking notes on our playground. Very accurate portrayal of verbal and emotional bullying.”
– A teacher
“Always great and one of the most well-received programs in the school year (by both students and teachers)”
– Pittsburgh Weil Pre K-5
“Saltworks’ production was wonderful; very effective and efficient when setting up and performing the play. The students and staff loved the performance and I would highly recommend other schools to invite this company in for an assembly. The students benefit from the core values that are taught and the play helps in implementing character education.”
– Pittsburgh Liberty K-5
“The play allowed us all to get over that initial hurdle and set the stage for open and honest dialogue.”
– School Counselor, Shadyside Academy
“Thank you for providing this program to our students. The actors were very talented, hilarious, engaging, and professional.”
– Concord Elementary School
“The students support each other and stick up for each other if they notice someone is being bullied. There is a sense of empathy that the students now have whenever they see someone being bullied.”
– A Butler school administrator, pointing out differences in the school after the students saw Star Power, a show about bullying and cultural differences
“The play was really great and the actors actually acted like kids…it made the audience pay much better attention and talk about it after.”
– 7th grader at St. Bede School
“We keep having you back because you have a quality product and are great to work with. Today was no exception. The cast kept 800 kids involved and quiet for an hour, no small task.”
– Rancocas Valley HS
“This show targeted our entire population. Bullying is an issue that children deal with in all schools and the show highlighted simple ways that students can apply to reduce bullying behaviors.”
– Penn-Bernville ES
“The actors were very professional. I found the play to be entertaining as well as thought provoking. The 7th and 8th graders were enthralled. Excellent job! I look forward to another performance.”
– Prospect MS
“Outstanding performance. The cast was well informed and insightful when answering questions.”
– Schiller Classical Academy
“The play, as well as the actors, gets better and better each year.”
– Spring Hill ES
“There is an old adage that the best instruction is that which teaches as it pleases. I have always believed that to be true and this assembly program was a prime example of just how effective that method can be. Certainly the students will remember the music, the skits, and the way in which they laughed and participated, but deep inside, they have also learned valuable lessons that every aspect of this program was geared to convey. It was teaching at its best.”
– Lakeland Jr-Sr High
“The ninth grade can be a typically difficult audience but you had them in the palm of your hand from the first minute with your professionalism and in the way that the students could identify with each character. I would definitely recommend this play for any middle/high school and would schedule your company again.”
– Principal, Ringgold HS
“Saltworks performance of Queen Bee was superb. The cast’s ability to delve into the mindset of a ten-year old was outstanding. Without being mushy, it literally brought tears to my eyes when I saw so vividly what some of my students face at school.”
– Phillips ES
“The students, staff, and administration of Pittsburgh Woolslair love Saltworks plays!”
– Pittsburgh Woolslair K-5
“Drew the students in right from the start.”
– Assistant Principal
“Thanks for telling us the truth about why we should say “NO”.
– Senior, Taylor Allderdice High School
“Your group’s presentation of Dragons was the most important part of our program last year.”
– Director, Mon Valley Health Program
“Saltworks brings inspirational messages of hope and tangible skills for living a healthier, safer life.”
– Pittsburgh Student Services Office
“The impact of the play and performers were so outstanding that I feel no literature or classroom discussion could ever come close to it.”
– Guidance Counselor, Chestnut Ridge Middle School
“If the world were made up of people with your caring philosophy what a great place it would be… thank you again for helping me make our schools a safer place for kids to learn.”
– Elementary Guidance Counselor
“Kids were annoying me and I did what you said – I ignored and moved away. During class a kid took something of mine and I warned him and he gave it back to me. Your tips really worked.”
– Fourth Grader, Pittsburgh
We are also thankful for these positive responses from some of our other patrons.
“Excellent! The congregation was very responsive.”
– Holiday Park United Methodist
“The acting was superb, the characterization wonderful.”
– Lebanon Presbyterian
“Saltworks told the story in a manner so charming and fresh that I thought I was hearing it for the first time.”
– Fox Chapel Episcopal
“The performance put new clothing on the age old message of God’s grace…Saltworks people were wonderful to work with.”
– Zion Lutheran