5 people. 5 stories. 60 minutes.
Facing the Rain
Our BRAND NEW 60-minute theatrical experience sharing the stories of college students impacted by mental illness.
Facing the Rain chronicles 5 true stories, performed by a cast of professional actors.
This show is excellent for colleges and universities. We’ll come to you.
Cast
- Stephanie Diaz as Sarah
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As a child, Sarah bargains, begs, and even tries to bribe her father to stop drinking - anything to stop the pain that his alcoholism wreaks on her family. As a college student, she faces his hollowness and her own powerlessness to change it.
- Amanda Eaton as Rose
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After years of chronic abuse, Rose is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. By accident, she discovers self-injury as a way of feeling again and soon it begins to feel like an addiction. Ultimately, thanks to a friend's love, she seeks treatment and finds her way towards healing.
- Chris Hauser as Keith
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Keith lives with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and considers Howie Mandel his idol. He uses humor and self-deprecation as a way of making it through each day and finding hope to face the future.
- Jessica Mondres as Karen
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Karen experiences severe depression with hallucinations after an acquaintance rape in college. She finds a way to face the rain and keep her roots as she handles the aftermath and its impact on her adult relationships.
- Remy Ortiz as Jaron
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After years of depression, Jaron began using cocaine to find happiness. After having two seizures and finally getting arrested for possession, he finds Narcotics Anonymous, a supportive college community, and sobriety.
- Deanna Foley as Understudy
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Deanna may be seen in any of the female roles above during performances.
- Jeremy Schaefer as Understudy
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Jeremy may be seen in any of the male roles above during performances.
"Facing the Rain is not only a mere source of entertainment, it is also a truly educational performance. By shattering preconceptions and stereotypes, this show provides its audience with real experiences and reliable resources."— DePaul University Student Read more testimonials
Important numbers
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75%
of people with mental illness experience their first episode by age 24. This makes college students one of the most vulnerable groups to be impacted.
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38%
of students, according to The American College Health Association, felt so depressed that it was difficult to function. Mental illness is a real and pressing issue on today’s campuses and needs our attention.
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10-15
Years people go without proper diagnosis and treatment, often due to lack of information and stigma. The sooner we can get to college students, the sooner they can get assistance and step toward healing.