Nancy Hans of the Prevention Council of Roanoke County shares the following news release about theatre performances in Roanoke County schools this week and next:

Remember what it was like to be a teen, how hard it was to imagine life beyond high school? Today texting, Facebook, Twitter makes reaching out somehow even harder. Roanoke Children’s Theatre is presenting ERIC & ELLIOT by Dwayne Hartford February 28-March 3rd, 2013. Meaningful and poignant with hints of humor, this play addresses the often sidestepped topic of teen depression and suicide. Due to subject matter, this play is rated PG-13.

“Eric & Elliot” by Dwayne Hartford. A preview of the show will be held on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. with performances to follow Friday, March 1 through Sunday, March 3. Performances are at 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

School matinees are set for Tuesday, Feb. 19 through Friday, Feb. 22 and Monday, Feb. 25 through Friday, March 1, at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

“RCT continues to partner for the third year with The Prevention Council, Family Services, RAYSAC, Lewis Gale, The Foundation for Roanoke Valley, Freedom First, Roanoke City Schools and Roanoke County Schools, to come together to help our youth develop into healthy happy adults,” says Pat Wilhelms, RCT Artistic Director. “This problem is real, and it is in our backyard. There will be health professionals leading post-show talkbacks at every student matinee and public performance. Take away resource materials will also be available in our lobby. Now is the time to get the conversation started.”

For further information or to buy tickets please call 540-309-6802 or visit our website.

Roanoke Children’s Theatre is located at 110 Salem Ave. SE in Roanoke.