Here are some thoughts for putting together a themed show, whether it is for libraries, schools, churches, birthdays, or ....
1. Choose the theme. (Ex. Bullying)
2. Study it. Pay particular attention to the things that are new to you. If it is new to you it is probably new to your audience as well.
3. Pick 3 to 5 MAIN points you want the audience to REMEMBER.
4. Pick little points under these main points.
5. List all the creative things you can do...pantomime, balloon twists, art, ventriloquism, magic, puppetry, storytelling, etc.
6. Match number 4 with number 5. What is the BEST way to teach something on list 4 using something from list 5. (Ex. 4. Tell an adult 5. Vent skit)
7. Start writing.
8. Review the 3 to 5 main points.

Other things you can always add:
Audience warm-up.
On this day in History.
Examples from popular fiction or TV.
Quotations.
Character build-up quick routines.

Tony, thanks for the great stuff,
I just wondered where you get reserch info,for instance "bullying". Most of the reserch I find on bullying is from the Josephine Institute, (Character counts) and their books are copywritten protected. how do you get around that? Thanks Matman

I do most of my research on the internet. It's even great for finding jokes. There are many websites dedicated to bullying now. I recommend finding out what your state's school system uses for gaining facts or recommendations. You can also contact your state PTA (Parent-Teacher Association)and ask what program and websites they recommend for bullying information.

I really enjoyed a 3 hour lecture by Frank Boehler. Visit OUSD/CWA-FRANK BOEHLER's two websites at www.orangeusd.k12.ca.us/cwa (copy and paste into your browser's line.)

For those of you in England try www.bullying.co.uk

Here are some others that may still have info.
www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/se/documents/bullyintro.pdf
(Also look there for bullych1 bullych2, thru bullych5)
www.dce.ca.gov/ls/ss/se/documents/bullyfactsheets.pdf

After you become an expert you could offer an assembly for the kids and then a bullying seminar in the evening for parents. But for that you will really need to know how to answer a lot of questions.

I got some good information from msn family/raising kids
Go to lifestyle.msn.com and click on the family tab, then search for bullying. (Don't type www in front of lifestyle)

My favorite bullies are the Axtell Warthog and the Bulldog. I teach that the Bulldog was taught to be mean when it was little. So I'm trying to retrain him. We sing "Where have you been, Bully Boy, Bully Boy" which is an idea I got from someone on this site! Thanks! But you can also use an Axtell Diva as an e-mail and gossip bully.

I forgot to mention that you can usually add a story to your planning for a program.

Bullying: The lion and the mouse.
Androcles and the lion.
The dog who barked at his own reflection in the water. (Bullies are really hurting themselves. They lose more than a bone. They lose friends.)

Or use stories from History.
Honesty: Corrie TenBoom in "The Hiding Place".
or Harriet Tubman's dad. When his daughter came to see him he wore a blindfold so he wouldn't be lying when they asked if he had seen her.

You do have to be careful of copyrights. You can usually find out if something is "public domain". I believe a story becomes public domain after the author has been dead for 50 years. (Sherlock Holmes, Wind in the Willows, etc.) That is why you see so many versions of them. However, someone may buy the copyright. Walt Disney owns "Pinnochio" so you won't be able to use that. I'm not sure about Peter Pan. The royalties were given to an orphanage before the author's death, but I don't know if the name cannot be used. Anyone know?

I apologize for some of the links above (particularly the .pdf files) which are no longer available online.

Here is one that puts bullying in a nutshell:
http://www.projectpave.org/adults/statsFacts_6.htm

Copy and paste it. If you have trouble then go to www.projectpave.org and look for bullying facts.