<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0vquS1_1GvF04fM00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0vquS1_1GvF04fM00" width="648" height="486" >Images capture ACT actors, dancers rehearsing for Dear Evan Hanson, which is showing at the Strand Theatre Nov. 13 and 14 with a special performance for area high school teens on Thursday. — PLATTSBURGH | Artistry Community Theatre (ACT) has created a student-centered showing of their production of Dear Evan Hanson, which goes on stage at the Strand Theatre Nov. 13 and 14.On Nov. 12, area high school teens will have a chance to see the musical among their peers.“The show for youth was organized with school district support and will bring open discussion, set production contribution from the teens and support with professionals to help increase mental health awareness,” ACT director Derrick Hopkins said of the showing soleley designed for high school youth.In conjunction with the production, ACT developed the North Country Student Mental Health &amp; Substance Abuse Prevention Initiative, Hopkins said.Working with Behavioral Health Services North (BHSN), Clinton County Mental Health &amp; Addiction Services, and Essex County Mental Health, the initiative takes the show as a starting point for conversations about mental health, belonging, coping, and seeking help. The performance includes a question-and-answer discussion and access to mental health professionals.Plans include a pre-show “leaves” theatre prop activity, and artwork done by the teens will be incorporated into the set.“Dear Evan Hansen makes you laugh, then catches you off guard with something painfully familiar,” director Hopkins said via email. “Teenagers may recognize the pressure to fit in, while adults may see themselves in parents trying to connect with children they don’t always understand. Across generations, that need to feel seen is something we share.”“Dear Evan Hansen is a show that may very well resonate with every audience member in one way or another,” Orchestra Director and Conductor Jeanette Woodruff said in an email statement as rehearsals winded down.“The show explores challenges teenagers face every day, including loneliness, discovering who they are, and connecting with others. The cast has done a magnificent job of bringing their characters to life, and the music is fabulous. This is a show audiences will likely continue reflecting on long after they leave the theatre.”The idea to incorporate conversation with teens emerged when the show became available for community theatres. Music Director Kathleen Kokes approached Hopkins about staging a special performance for area youth with a post-show discussion led by local mental health experts.Kokes first encountered the musical through her high school students while teaching music at Northeastern Clinton Central School (NCCS).“Derrick has been so supportive of the idea and has gone above and beyond what I could possibly have imagined for this project,” she said. “I think audience members of every generation will connect to something in the show, whether they are teenagers, siblings, parents, or grandparents.”Support for the ACT initiative is provided through the Keep Another Tomorrow (KAT) Foundation, based in Plattsburgh.“The KAT Foundation is honored to collaborate with the production of Dear Evan Hansen, a story that reminds us of the importance of connection, compassion, and being there for one another,” the foundation shared in a statement.“Together, we hope to shine a light on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, while reminding those who may be struggling that they are seen, they are loved, and they are never alone. Every life matters. Every story matters.“And sometimes, the smallest act of kindness can make the biggest difference,” KAT founders said. “We are grateful to be part of this meaningful collaboration and its message of hope, healing, and the power of human connection.”Hopkins said ACT's extraordinary cast, crew and production team approached this story with talent, care, and a willingness to embrace its uncomfortable truths.“They’re finding the humor in awkward moments and the raw emotion beneath words left unsaid,” he shared.“In a culture where we can share everything online and still struggle to tell someone how we really feel, this piece gives us plenty to talk about.”The production team includes Derrick A. Hopkins, Director; Kathleen Kokes, Music Director and Sound; Jeanette Woodruff, Orchestra Director and Conductor; Meaghan Janovsky, Choreographer; Shane Shuknecht, Stage Manager and Sound; Rachel Budin, Lighting Design; Casey Koziatek, Props; Jerry Defayette, Set; Jason Borrie, Scenic Design; and Susanne Ford, Gigi Mason, and Eileen Wrisley, Costumes.Ticket information is available for public performances Nov. 13 and 14 at www.artistrytheatre.orgContent Advisory: Dear Evan Hansen contains strong language, sexual references, discussions of suicide and a suicide attempt, and references to drug use and substance abuse. The story explores anxiety, depression, social isolation, bullying, grief following the death of a teenager, and strained family relationships. These subjects may be distressing for some audience members. Parents and guardians are encouraged to consider these themes when deciding whether the production is appropriate for their children. Recommended for ages 14+</div></body>

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Images capture ACT actors, dancers rehearsing for Dear Evan Hanson, which is showing at the Strand Theatre Nov. 13 and 14 with a special performance for area high school teens on Thursday. — PLATTSBURGH | Artistry Community Theatre (ACT) has created a student-centered showing of their production of Dear Evan Hanson, which goes on stage at the Strand Theatre Nov. 13 and 14.

ACT coordinates youth program around Dear Evan Hanson show

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Images capture ACT actors, dancers rehearsing for Dear Evan Hanson, which is showing at the Strand Theatre Nov. 13 and 14 with a special performance for ar

ACT coordinates youth program around Dear Evan Hanson show

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