The Theatre and Your Feelings

Funded Sep 21, 2024

I am writing to share the remarkable journey our students embarked on through a recent project aimed at improving their mental health via theater. This initiative provided an invaluable platform for our students to express and explore their feelings as teenagers navigating the complexities of the 21st century. By engaging in discussions about their experiences, students created idea maps in the form of human silhouettes. These maps, rich with their insights, served as the foundation for monologues that vividly captured both the positive and negative aspects of modern teenage life.

Throughout this project, the generous donations played a critical role. The donated items were used to create the posters and facilitated the creation spaces where discussions and brainstorming sessions took place. Although we were unable to use the room divider due to missing pieces, all other donated supplies significantly contributed to the success of the project. Students were guided to delve into their emotional experiences and the mental health challenges they face. By creating posters that highlight these struggles, students drew inspiration for developing characters and writing scenes that depicted healthy and positive ways to cope with various situations. This creative process not only allowed them to voice their feelings but also equipped them with tools to manage their emotions effectively. The culmination of their hard work was showcased during performances for their peers, fostering a sense of community and understanding within the classroom.

In addition to the in-class performances, students who wished to share their work beyond the classroom had the opportunity to participate in the SoFlo Youth Arts Fair on December 5th. This event provided a larger stage for our students to present their monologues and scenes, celebrating their creativity and resilience. The project's success in creating a safe space for self-expression and peer collaboration has been a testament to the power of theater in addressing mental health concerns. We are incredibly proud of our students' achievements and look forward to continuing to support their emotional well-being through such innovative initiatives.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Rivera