Mind Matters, 2021-presentIn modern day America, providing support for young people navigating mental illness is a social justice matter of life and death. In response, Orlando Family Stage, UCF Psychology, Theatre UCF, YouthPLAYS, and Orange County Public Schools partnered to create "Mind Matters," a program designed to support students’ social-emotional health through theatre. The goal of "Mind Matters" is to reduce anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideations for high school students, utilizing best practices in theatre education and Social-Emotional Learning. Mind Matters is made possible through the Pabst Steinmetz Foundation Arts and Wellness Innovation Award.
Our process began with stage one, LISTENING. During this stage, we conducted surveys and listening sessions with high school theatre educators about the mental health needs facing their students. We used this information to inform phase two, PLAY DEVELOPMENT. In this stage, playwrights from around the nation crafted ten-minute plays, working with high school educators and students, teaching artists, and UCF students in the development process. Spring 2023 will continue with CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, as we develop and test curriculum designed to support each play. The play anthology, available through YouthPLAYS, and open-sourced curriculum will be available for use in the classroom or for performance. Press: |