Pubdate: Mon, 13 Jul 1998 Date: 07/13/1998 Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Author: R. Gray Mitchem Website: http://www.jsonline.com/ As you pointed out in your editorial of June 25, the DARE program may have less effect than desired. Parents and schools rightly deserve positive results. DARE is not, of course, the only show in town. Milwaukee Children's Theater Company, a non-profit company of professionally trained, adult actors, has been creatively and effectively delivering the anti-drug message in all 111 elementary schools of the Milwaukee Public Schools system and private schools for the last 10 years. The preceding 12 years were spent cultivating children in the theater arts. Executive Director Debrah Bathurst has led the company all this time with focus and commitment. The schools have repeatedly called her and her troupe back. Mr. Demeany, the notorious vaudevillian drug dealer, is a character the children instantly and wholeheartedly mistrust. Teachers and parents have seen the drug awareness and caution build in their youngsters. MCTC's veteran performances have proved that kids can be reached with costumes rather than uniforms, and a low public profile. R. Gray Mitchem Milwaukee