5 people. 5 stories. 75 minutes.
What’s Behind Our Eyes
Our 75-minute theatrical experience sharing the 5 true stories of Chicago-land high school students impacted by mental illness. Performed by a cast of professional actors. You choose the 5 stories you’d like to see and we’ll bring them out!
We offer a 90-minute training for faculty and staff on mental illness beforehand for CPDU’s.
Fits Illinois Learning Standards for Physical Development and Health – Goal 22 and Social and Emotional Learning – Goals 1 & 2.
This show is excellent for high schools, youth groups, after school programs, or teaching training days.
Cast
- Angela Johnson as Chloe
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Chloe faces bullying at school and punishment at home when it's discovered that she self-injures.
- Christina Nieves as Janet
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Take a look into the world of Janet, whose family flees a physically abusive father and husband, to start a new life in Chicago.
- David Hornreich as Aaron
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Aaron describes his fall from star athlete and gifted student to struggling with chronic depression. Even in the face of it, he continues to hold his head high.
- Rhonda Bynum as Marie
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Marie grows up in an abusive home and looks to obsessive exercise and disordered eating as vehicles for control and maintaining invisibility.
- Eddie Jordan III as Keith
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Keith lives with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and considers Howie Mandel his idol. He gives a window into his experience and how Exposure Response and Prevention Therapy saved his life.
- Maura Kidwell as Marie/Joanna
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Maura alternates in the role of Marie, shares the story of Joanna about her experience with bipolar disorder and is a core member of the teen ensemble.
- Remy Ortiz as Jaron
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Jaron shares how growing up with depression leads to drug use and ultimately cocaine addiction. After getting arrested for possession, Jaron turns his life around, finds sobriety, and makes a commitment to helping others.
- Olivia Porter as Understudy
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You will see Olivia on stage in place of our female actresses any time they are unavailable.
- Cory A. Wright as Understudy
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You will see Cory on stage in place of our male actors any time they are unavailable.
Why Book This Show?
“The actors were superior, the disorders performed profoundly correct in their display. One of the very best experiences my students were exposed to all year.”
Why the show worksImportant numbers
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50%
of those with mental illness see it begin by age 14. This show helps audiences see what mental illness actually looks and sounds like, right from the words of today’s teens.
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15-20%
of adolescents engage in self-injurious behavior. Our shows, dialogues, and training help shine the light on why people self-injure and how you can help.
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20%
of teens will experience teen depression before they reach adulthood. Our productions help teens see they are not alone and that help is available.