Signature Productions
Erasing the Distance has three signature touring shows. Filled with diverse topics and multiple perspectives, each show is 90 minutes long (including the after-show dialogue).
Cast
- Wes Clark as Jonathan
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Gives audiences a glimpse into the challenges of living with OCD, particularly the rage that can build as Jonathan struggles to make peace with the debilitating obsessions and compulsions that often rule his life. (Role also performed by Craig C. Thompson.)
- Jennifer Mathews as Cassie
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Cassie's sister Megan underwent cranial radiation for childhood leukemia. No one ever imagined it would lead to schizophrenia. Learn how Megan's illness has impacted Cassie and the rest of her family.
- Meredith Siemsen as Herself
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After fighting her own battles with depression, Meredith learns that the illness runs in her family. She then forges a close relationship with her dad over their shared experience.
- Craig C. Thompson as Ben
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Ben theorizes on a possible link between substance abuse and depression as he reflects on his longtime usage of marijuana, despite interventions from friends and family. (Role also performed by Chris Hauser and Chris Popio.)
I just saw The People I Know at UIC last week and found it to be a phenomenal experience. I’ve just helped to start up a Disability Awareness Committee at my church and I thought this performance could be a great first event held by our group.— Katie Keiling, UIC student and Disability Services Coordinator Read more testimonials
Important numbers
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1 in 4
People will experience a mental disorder in a given year. With 25% of the population directly impacted, this vital issue demands our attention.
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4 of 10
Leading causes of disability in the U.S. and other developed countries are mental disorders. The consequences are staggering: unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, inappropriate incarceration, suicide, broken relationships, and wasted lives.
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2,000,000
Adults with a serious mental illness reported that they did not receive adequate treatment. Thinking it could be handled on one’s own, concerns about stigma, & not knowing where to go for help all stood in the way. ETD’s shows help people overcome those barriers.
Cast
- Chris Hauser as Keith
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Keith lives with OCD, which he has dubbed "Henry," and offers a unique perspective on his disorder and how Exposure Response and Prevention Therapy saved his life. (Role also performed by Kamal Angelo Bolden.)
- Adam Poss as Ryan
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Ryan's discusses how his father's alcohol addiction and domestic violence affects him both as a young boy trying to survive and as an adult struggling to come to grips with his own emotions. (Role also performed by Philip de Guzman.)
"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.
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. (Role also performed by Kierra Bunch.)
- 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.
- Philip de Guzman 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.
- Paula Ramirez 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.
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.