MADISON – The Human Bridges Theater, in collaboration with the East Madison Square Garden Council, recently received a grant from the H. King and Jean Cummings Fund of the Maine Community Foundation to support its “What About the Boys?” theater performances.

What About the Boys? is a collection of interactive, improvisational theater scenarios that addresses the damaging consequences of society’s ideas about how males are supposed to be.

“Among many other things,” said Human Bridges Theater’s director Chris Wright, “boys are under great pressure to pretend that they don’t care about other people’s feelings, that they don’t need help during difficult times, and that they are already good at things that they have little experience with.”

A pilot performance of “What About the Boys?” was presented at the Boston Social Forum in July 2004. “This grant will allow us to develop new scenarios, create outreach materials, and cover travel and other performance costs,” said Wright. Much of the cast, as well as the likely audiences, will be junior and senior high school students.

The next scheduled performance is in Rockport on March 19 at the Mid-Coast Boys to Men Conference. Additional information can be obtained by calling Chris Wright at 643-2400 or e-mailing to chriswright@tds.net. Interested actors are encouraged to inquire.

Founded in 1983, the Maine Community Foundation makes grants and provides leadership to strengthen Maine communities. For more information, visit the foundation’s Web site at www.mainecf.org or call toll-free at 1-877-700-6800.