The frog dreamt of flying. He wandered about the marsh wearing goggles and a flight helmet, dreaming of a world in the sky.

Bullies plagued the frog, though. A mosquito and a salamander tormented him. He was not as cool as they are, so they thought.

But when a crane fell from the sky, the frog made a new friend. He would learn that he is OK, and worthy of being liked, and of liking himself.

This is the story of “Thaddeus and Tilla, A Crane and Frog Tale.” It is children’s theater and his being staged by the Elizabeth City State University Players in the Fine Arts Auditorium today through Saturday.

According to professor of theatrical arts and the play’s director Billicia Hines, this is a story about bullying. But perhaps more importantly, it’s a story about being strong, and working through the problems that plague kids today.

“I chose this play because I know that bullying is really in right now,” says Hines. “It’s a becoming a problem in the school system.”

Hines points out that along with the traditional methods of bullying in the schoolyard, there is also cyber bullying. The problem is so bad, she points out, that local schools even have web pages where students and parents can report bullying.

Hines says she would like to tell kids that they will be OK. And theater is the perfect place to deliver just such a message.

Hines says that telling this children’s morality tale with animals makes the reality of the subject matter more palatable to them. It’s “not as scary” when animals are experiencing something that, according to U.S. government statistics, effects one-in-three middle school children in this country today.

But in life, whether the subject of bullying is human or anthropomorphic, there is hope.

“In the end bullies have insecurities,” says Hines of the message of this production. “And bullies should stop and folks can be friends.”

Theater, and in this case children’s theater, can be a powerful medium for change and to deliver the right message. Hines says she hopes this play can be a part of that change, and help deliver a positive message to kids.

“It’s really why I love theater so much, because it is a powerful tool for social change,” she says.

And children’s theater can also bring kids to an experience that Hines says they need, the theatrical arts.

“If kids don’t grow up seeing it, they don’t appreciate it,” says Hines. “We need people growing up, wanting to go to theater.”

This play will also provide an environmental subtext to its plot. While Thaddeus the frog is dealing with the bullies, and making friends with Tilla the crane, they are also worried about their environment being overrun.

“Bulldozers are coming to clear the marsh,” explains Hines. “Power lines are being built. The cranes run into the power lines. Tilla falls from the sky.”

And Thaddeus saves her. But of course, Tilla saves Thaddeus, too.

To find out how Thaddeus fairs, and whether or not his dream comes true and he learns to fly, you can check out this ECSU production today and tomorrow at 10:30 a.m., and Saturday at 1 p.m. Tickers are $4 for students and $6 for the general public.

Call 252-335-3436 for more information.