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“Clowns Like Me” Newsroom

Media Contact: DJ Kramer | admin@lifelineproductionsinc.org | (917) 902-5898 cell 

MISSION STATEMENT

LIFELINE PRODUCTIONS produces personal stories of those living with mental illness that create awareness, stimulate conversation, destigmatize mental illness, and foster hope and healing. 

ABOUT US

Using thing the power of the arts, LIFELINE PRODUCTIONS takes you inside the minds of those who struggle, to better understand their invisible demons, and shatter the stigma surrounding mental illness. By producing and presenting personal stories they provide hope, healing, comfort, and a sense of control to those who suffer from mental illnesses, their families, friends, and caretakers. Their productions, talk-back sessions, and programs help nurture the seeds of normalizing mental illness and help foster mental wellness. Their first production, CLOWNS LIKE ME, debuted to sold-out audiences and rave reviews at the Sarasota Cook Theatre in May 2024 and is set to begin touring in September 2024. LIFELINE PRODUCTIONS is a Sarasota Florida based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

MEDIA RELEASE

  • Download official media release September Tampa Tour – PDF

  • Download official media release September Tampa Tour – Word Document

IMAGES

“CLOWNS LIKE ME” Show Logos/Artwork

VIDEO

BIOS

SHOW DESCRIPTIONS

These are suggested descriptions that have been crafted to describe “Clowns Like Me.”

Short Version:

In his touring one-man show “Clowns Like Me,” Sarasota actor and storyteller Scott Ehrenpreis presents a humorous, poignant, and profound examination of the stigmas attached to developmental disorders and mental illnesses. “Clowns Like Me” offers hope to anyone on a journey to achieve mental wellness.

Long Version:

In his touring one-man show “Clowns Like Me,” Sarasota actor and storyteller Scott Ehrenpreis tells his humorous yet profound story of living with mental illness. “Clowns Like Me” reveals the fascinating, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting true story of Scott’s personal journey as he struggles against OCD, bipolar disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, social anxiety and depression. Ultimately, Scott discovers that being on stage gives him the power, even for just a couple hours, to step into the light and leave the shadows of his mental health struggles behind. Audiences are in for a show that will make them laugh, cry and leave thinking differently about the stigmas tied to mental health.

PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION

The President of the United States signed a proclamation on April 29, 2023 recognizing May as “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

STATISTICS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

The following links may help create an understanding of the current concerns with mental health in the United States.

American Psychological Association

Pew Research Center

TESTIMONIALS

The following testimonials were collected after several public readings of the script when it was under edits. Those who submitted testimonials understood that they would be used for promotional purposes.

“I speak for my wife and myself by saying we attended a preview; a performance without theatrical staging, lighting, and music, yet the story alone creates visuals that are vivid in one’s mind. The meanings we found in the recital would be difficult to convey in many words, though a few words that come to mind immediately are: thought-provoking, compelling, rings-true, a necessary message, meaningful, and above all, extremely entertaining. We so look forward to attending a showing in the professional setting. It is important to broadcast the show’s message to larger audiences. I know that we will be spreading the word.” - Anthony Graziano

 

“I had the privilege of attending two pre-performance readings of ‘Clowns Like Me.’ The first reading left me speechless. It transported me into the punishing world of mental illness— a world that so many experience first-hand or, as in my case, through a loved one's illness. It was a hypnotic mixture of rage, frustration, exhaustion and humor. I squirmed, I cried, I laughed, and cried again. And, like being on a scary ride in an amusement park … I was moved to come back for more. So a month later, I attended another reading, and once more, I was riveted. Aside from all that I learned (and there's a lot to learn about this beast called mental illness), and all the play will do to focus much-needed attention on it, there is this: It's a damn good story.” - David Rubin

 

“We found Scott’s story both moving and informative as we too had a daughter with severe OCD and other issues. (Scott’s) story enabled the audience to identify with and appreciate the complications that Scott has faced in his daily life. While explaining how his illness limited/curtailed the daily activities of life, the content was humorous at the same time, despite the seriousness of the subject matter. The play gave a positive message as Scott showed insight into and ability to look on his own handicap with humor and understanding. There is no doubt that it resonated with the audience who poured out their emotional reactions and clear identification with Scott’s issues.” - Joan and Brian Wides, The Melissa Wides Foundation

 

“To say we were blown away would be an understatement. The reading was an emotional, enlightening eye opening experience which we found most educational about mental health. Having a son who has emotional issues, this play hit very close to home and made us aware of this situation which has become a nationwide problem. This play should be seen by everyone whose family shares this problem, as well as anyone who is concerned with this growing issue. Amazingly well done, sensitive and compassionate, ‘Clowns Like Me’ will appeal to everyone who is concerned with the mental health condition of our country.” - Larry and Sheree Zaslavsky

 

“I was deeply moved by the severe internal and emotional struggle that a person with a mental health issue faces. This becomes a reality for the audience because of the outstanding performance of this young man. If this performance helps only one other person or one family who is struggling, then it will be a great step forward. It offers hope and understanding for everyone involved.” - Susan Loesel

 

“My wife and I have had very little exposure to mental illness. The reading of ‘Clowns Like Me’ gave us a more insight into the life challenges of a person suffering from Aspergers, as no amount of reading, lecturing or discussion did or could ever provide. Our minds and hearts were awakened to this illness.  This play not only will educate and stimulate all who see it, but Scott dramatically and most importantly represents all those who suffer from mental illness. Be ready to cry, for this production is a very emotional yet a fortunate experience for those who are stricken with mental illness, their families, and all other spectators.” - Dale Menard

 

The reading that I attended of ‘Clowns Like Me’ had deep impact. Aside from the authenticity of the story, which was told with humor, humility and a pure honesty, it was hard to leave the room without knowing that we all know someone who has been impacted by mental health issues, and that the reality is we can all see a bit of ourselves in Scott's story. Scott is brave and wonderful, and truly generous in including us all in what goes on in his mind and heart.”- Nelle Miller

NEWSLETTER CONTENT

Here is a suggested story for your organization/agency’s newsletter:

A One-Man Show About Struggling with Mental Health

 

In his world touring one-man show “Clowns Like Me,” Sarasota actor and storyteller Scott Ehrenpreis tells a humorous yet profound story of living with mental illness to Tampa audiences this September.

 

We hope you will join us. “Clowns Like Me” will run at Tampa's Stageworks Theatre September 15-24, 2023. Tickets are $35 and are on sale at stageworkstheatre.org.

 

“Clowns Like Me” reveals the enlightening, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting true story of Ehrenpreis’ personal journey as he struggles against OCD, bipolar disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, social anxiety and depression. Ultimately, Ehrenpreis reveals that being on stage gives him the power, even for just a couple hours, to step into the light and leave the shadows of his mental health struggles behind.

 

Audiences are in for a performance that will make them laugh, cry and leave thinking differently about the stigmas tied to mental health.

 

For more information, visit ClownsLikeMe.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

Here are suggested social media posts about “Clowns Like Me.” Be sure to download our social media images, including Facebook and Instagram.

In his touring one-man show “Clowns Like Me,” Sarasota actor and storyteller Scott Ehrenpreis will be telling a humorous yet profound story of living with mental illness to Tampa audiences this September 15-24 2023 at the Stageworks Theatre Tickets are $35 and are on sale at stageworkstheatre.org.

 

We hope you will join us to see the touring, one-man show “Clowns Like Me,” in which Sarasota actor and storyteller Scott Ehrenpreis reveals his personal journey as he struggles against OCD, bipolar disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, social anxiety and depression. Get ready to laugh, cry and leave thinking differently about the stigmas tied to mental health. Learn more at ClownsLIkeMe.com.

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