The SAY IT OUT LOUD kick-off event on November 4th is part of a larger campaign that uses local events, school-based initiatives, and online resources to reduce the stigma of mental illness. The kick-off event will be hosted by Illinois State Representative La Shawn K. Ford and features live performances from Erasing the Distance.
Erasing the Distance is a Chicago-based acting troupe that uses inspiring true stories to educate the community about mental health and decrease mental illness stigma. Their performances have been seen by more than 25,000 people across the country since the group was founded in 2005. Erasing the Distance collects true stories from people who share their experiences with mental health. These stories are recorded and – with the storyteller’s permission – transcribed and sculpted into monologues, scenes and full productions, always using and honoring the real words of the tellers.
The SAY IT OUT LOUD kick-off event on November 4th will feature storied monologues from Shelly, Lisa, Angela, Aaron, and Chloe. These stories touch on topics of depression, bi-polar disorder, anxiety, self-injury, substance abuse and more. An audience discussion will follow the performances. Mental health resource tables and refreshments will be available in the lobby. Although many of the stories are focused on teens struggling with mental illness, the event is not recommended for children under the age of 14.
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Doors open at 6:30pm and the event starts at 7pm. Seating is first come, first serve.
The Arts Center of Oak Park is located at 200 N. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park, IL.
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Parking is available on Ontario Street, as well as the city garage on Oak Park Ave. and North Blvd. Please call Kimberly Knake (630-460-4429) to reserve seating for groups larger than 10 people.
SAY IT OUT LOUD is sponsored by the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township in partnership with NAMI Metro-Suburban, Thrive Counseling Center and Thresholds. Visit www.SIOLnow.com for more information about the SAY IT OUT LOUD campaign and the kick-off event on November 4th.
Visit www.ErasingTheDistance.org to learn more about Erasing the Distance.
