Theatrical Mental Health Training for School Districts
Coming to a school near you soon!
Who Can Participate:
Any school district with a high school theater program that is willing to workshop and perform a one act play that introduces a variety of useful and versatile mental health tools. The play is designed for an elementary school audience, and is suitable for viewers of all ages.
Goal:
To teach students specific techniques they can immediately use to cope with challenging situations and improve their mental health. The skills are all taken from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and adapted for elementary age students.
What is Included:
School districts will receive an adaptable script that allows high schoolers to learn about mental health topics as they adjust the performance piece to their district’s needs. DBT for You clinicians will also meet with your school’s drama department to provide consultation and support
Songs and music are also included for schools with musical theater programs. Optional follow up lessons for the skills taught in the play are available.
We are now booking for fall 2025 dates!
For more information regarding content contact Jake (jake@dbteensnh.org)
For more information regarding pricing and logistics contact Beth (beth@dbteensnh.org)
DBTV was developed by the clinical team at DBT for You together with a New Hampshire based playwright and musician.
Creators Bios:
Emma Cahoon (she/her)
Emma is a theatremaker and Arts Administrator based in New Hampshire. A graduate of Boston University with a BFA in Theatre Arts and minor in Arts Leadership, Emma has worked with organizations across the country including theatre KAPOW, Central Square Theater, What Would the Neighbors Say?, the Seven Devils New Play Foundry, and more. Most recently, she directed theatre KAPOW’s February production of Every Brilliant Thing, as well as their educational tour of A Midsummer Night’s Dream (co-produced by St. Anselm College and the Capitol Center for the Arts). She is also the Marketing & Communications Coordinator at the Firehouse Center for the Arts. In everything she does, Emma works to curate collaborative spaces built on equal parts creativity, joy, and rigor.
Jake Hudgins (he/him)
Jake received his B.A. in Music from Boston University, and has worked as an instrumental and vocal educator throughout New Hampshire. He is an active member of the state’s arts community, working closely with the St. Joseph Cathedral Singers, theatre KAPOW, and the Jason R. Flood Memorial Fund. Jake studied songwriting with the pianist Ben Folds, and his musical works have been performed by groups throughout New England, New York City, and California. Jake works with DBT for You to create innovative ways to teach, reinforce, and promote Dialectical Behavior Therapy, including projects such as this one!
Eden Richardson (she/her)
Eden is a pre-licensed clinician with a Master’s in Social Work from Boston College. She has been with DBT for You since its inception in 2021 and works with both teens and tweens using Dialectical Behavior Therapy as well as music and art to build lives worth living. Eden is a chorus and theatre kid at heart, who grew up acting and singing in various school shows and choirs. She continues to encourage young musicians through the JRFM foundation which provides opportunities for local youth to perform and emphasizes suicide prevention and mental health awareness.