At Jefferson Transitional Programs, we have believe that one of the most effective ways of engaging community – to communicate that there is hope and that recovery from mental illness is possible – is through the arts. The members of JTP’s Acting Out Loud Performance troupe have shared their story of recovery through two original 30-minute plays – “Scrambled Eggs” and “Jubilee.”
What the audience thinks:
- Of the 481 audience surveys returned in FY11, 95% agreed or strongly agreed that they have a more positive perception of people with mental illness after watching the Acting Out Loud performance, and 93% agreed or strongly agreed that they have a better understanding of mental illness after watching the performance.
- This is what the audience has been saying about Acting Out Loud’s “Jubilee:” “As I saw the performer’s journey to a place of understanding, acceptance, and perseverance, I, too, felt that I can win my battle with mental illness.” – Audience member. “It will affect me and my practice forever!” – Occupational Therapy student. “Mental illness does not define human beings. It’s a part, not whole, of a person’s identity.” – Occupational Therapy student.
Performances: Both 30-minute plays chronicle the difficult, yet rewarding path to recovery. Each performance shares the real-life stories of the actors. Following each performance is a Q&A session where the audience can ask questions about the performers and mental health.
Scrambled Eggs – Download the brochure here – ActingOutLoud.
Jubilee – Download the Jubilee brochure here – Jubilee Brochure New
To book a performance:
Acting Out Loud is available for performing engagements. We do not charge a fee for local performances. Contributions are always welcome and we ask for a travel stipend for performances outside of Riverside, CA.
- Contact Lydia Theon Ware-i at (951) 683-1279 to book a performance, or email us.
Donate!
- To make a donation to support this project, please contact Art Works at (951) 683-1279.
Places Acting Our Loud has performed:
Alternatives Conference, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State San Bernardino Masters of Social Work program, California State Senator Lou Correa’s MHSA Update Meeting in Santa Ana, California State Behavioral Health Sciences Board Social Work Division, Depression Bipolar Support Alliance Statewide Conference, Loma Linda University, Mental Health Services Act Oversight and Accountability Commissioners, National Drama Therapy Association Conference in Chicago, NAMI in Joilet IL, Orange County Department of Mental Health, Patton State Hospital, Riverside Community College, Riverside Community Health Foundation, Riverside County Department of Mental Health, steps of the California State Capitol, Universalist Unitarian Church in Riverside, University of Southern California School of Occupational Therapy, Van Horn Youth Detention Center, among many other community locations.
History of Acting Out Loud: Under the leadership of Michelle Ebert Freire, associate professor of Theatre Arts at Cal State San Bernardino, participants devised, developed, and performed “Scrambled Eggs” for close to 3,000 people since Fall 2008. Acting Out Loud debuted their second original performance piece called “Jubilee” at Riverside County Department of Mental Health’s “May is Mental Health Month” celebration and community event. Since May, the troupe has performed “Jubilee” for National Alliance on Mental Illness, for the University of Southern California’s Occupational Therapy program, and for youth at Operation SafeHouse. Beverly Baird, director of Acting Out Loud troupe and peer support specialist, spearheaded the project with Joe Powers, University of California Riverside Masters of Fine Arts student with the collaboration of the cast members. The troupe traveled to Orlando, FL this fall to perform “Jubilee” at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Alternatives Conference.