Video series used to promote anti-bullying
ADAMS TWP — A group of creative Mars sophomores are using the premise of a popular TV comedy to promote anti-bullying at the high school.
T.J. Pieffer is the lead actor and producer of Room 133, a biweekly video series that demonstrates in an edgy, comical way that bullying is no laughing matter.
The show is a not-so-subtle spoof of the NBC hit series “The Office,” but instead of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Co., the setting is Mars High School.
The seven-student cast and crew meets during study hall to discuss and plan episodes. They get together every other Friday to film scenes. T.J. edits the scenes into an 8- to 14-minute show over the weekend.
The shows are broadcast on the high school’s in-house Channel 5 every other Wednesday, followed by a class discussion on bullying led by teachers.
Because Room 133 uses contemporary comedy styling and the premise of a hit sitcom, it gets the attention of its target audience, who can buy $10 Room 133 T-shirts to help with production costs.
“The students can’t stop talking about the show, and anticipate every new episode,” said assistant principal Dale Sleva. “All the kids are excited.”
Sleva, who is Mars High’s anti-bullying coordinator, saw similar projects in other high schools and talked with T.J. about producing a program in Mars.
Sleva chose T.J. because he has proved his acting chops through “Teej Tuesday,” his weekly YouTube video series featuring comedy routines, variety acts, music videos as well as observations and personal reflections.
T.J. enlisted the help of fellow sophomores Allen Shaffer, Ryan Huber, Kailee Miller, Brandon Knochel, Jimmy Srock and Larissa Dover to write, produce and act in Room 133.
Art teacher Erin Sloane plays Mrs. Daniels in the show, and, in a difficult stretch of characterization, Sleva portrays the principal, Mr. Sleva, who doles out the scoldings when characters inevitably end up in the principal’s office for bullying.
After their debut on Channel 5, the shows are uploaded onto YouTube. The Room 133 show even has its own channel on the site so fans can easily view the latest episodes.
But the students in the project stress that a crucial message lurks amid the fun and humor involved in making Room 133.
“Bullying is a big problem, and we all agree that someone has to take the incentive to do something about it … to help people,” said Allen. “We are getting a very positive message out and everyone is paying more attention because it’s funny.”
Sleva said the video series also enhances the district’s Planet Peace and Olweus anti-bullying programs.
Room 133’s three episodes plus bloopers and other features can be viewed by searching “Room133show’s channel” on www.youtube.com.
