Sentara continues partnership with Virginia Stage Company to raise mental health awareness
Sentara sponsorship supports 20 free performances across Virginia and northeastern North Carolina
Sentara is collaborating with the Virginia Stage Company (VSC) to bring an inspirational play about mental health to communities in Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. The play, “Every Brilliant Thing,” uses comedy, improv, and audience interaction to foster dialogue around mental health, specifically suicidal depression.
Sentara’s $91,000 sponsorship ensures VSC can host 20 performances during the 2024-2025 season. This is in addition to a 2023 Sentara Cares grant that supported 20 performances during the 2023-2024 season.
“Supporting a meaningful play such as ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ aligns with our effort to destigmatize mental health and reassure patients that it is okay to ask for help,” said Nedra Moncrief-Craig, Sentara’s system director of behavioral health services.
Regional behavioral health professionals are available on-site at most performances to provide resources and help individuals process reactions to the show. These professionals can also assist the attendees in finding mental and behavioral health services in their area.
The play has been performed at various venues, including community colleges, universities, places of worship, mental health conferences, military commands, youth-focused nonprofits, cultural arts centers, the NASA Langley Research Center, and even in the hanger bay of the USS George H.W. Bush.
"With Sentara's generous support, Virginia Stage Company has been able to reach over 6,000 individuals throughout the Commonwealth and beyond,” said Jordan Setzer, director of enrichment at Virginia Stage Company. “‘Every Brilliant Thing’ is a poignant exploration of mental health struggles and the importance of human resilience.”
Audiences find the performance piece entertaining, thought-provoking, and uplifting, said Seltzer. The mix of humor and openness creates a safe environment conducive to discussing the important subjects of mental illness, depression, and suicide.
For more details regarding upcoming "Every Brilliant Thing" performances, visit https://www.vastage.org/ebttour.
Sentara’s $91,000 sponsorship ensures VSC can host 20 performances during the 2024-2025 season. This is in addition to a 2023 Sentara Cares grant that supported 20 performances during the 2023-2024 season.
“Supporting a meaningful play such as ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ aligns with our effort to destigmatize mental health and reassure patients that it is okay to ask for help,” said Nedra Moncrief-Craig, Sentara’s system director of behavioral health services.
Regional behavioral health professionals are available on-site at most performances to provide resources and help individuals process reactions to the show. These professionals can also assist the attendees in finding mental and behavioral health services in their area.
The play has been performed at various venues, including community colleges, universities, places of worship, mental health conferences, military commands, youth-focused nonprofits, cultural arts centers, the NASA Langley Research Center, and even in the hanger bay of the USS George H.W. Bush.
"With Sentara's generous support, Virginia Stage Company has been able to reach over 6,000 individuals throughout the Commonwealth and beyond,” said Jordan Setzer, director of enrichment at Virginia Stage Company. “‘Every Brilliant Thing’ is a poignant exploration of mental health struggles and the importance of human resilience.”
Audiences find the performance piece entertaining, thought-provoking, and uplifting, said Seltzer. The mix of humor and openness creates a safe environment conducive to discussing the important subjects of mental illness, depression, and suicide.
For more details regarding upcoming "Every Brilliant Thing" performances, visit https://www.vastage.org/ebttour.
By: Jason Quinn