Clowns Like Me enjoyed a historic Off-Broadway run with multiple rave reviews, drawing over 1,500 patrons during its limited engagement at the prestigious DR2 Theatre in New York's Union Square.

Clowns Like Me Performance at State College of Florida

As part of our mission to harness the power of the arts to shatter the stigma surrounding mental illness, Clowns Like Me took center stage at the Neel Performing Arts Center, State College of Florida (SCF), on January 28, 2025.

Students from five area colleges—University of South Florida (USF), State College of Florida, Ringling College of Art and Design, New College of Florida, and Florida State University (FSU)—were invited to attend the performance free of charge.

This event created a space for students to experience powerful storytelling that fostered understanding, hope, and healing while sparking crucial conversations about mental health.

In the post-show survey, attendees shared their reflections on how the performance reshaped their perspectives:

"It’s okay to feel the need to ask for help. We all have our struggles, and it’s important to know we aren’t alone."

"Hearing someone’s story helped me understand mental health on a more personal level."

"Everyone is unique and has their own superpower, regardless of the challenges they face."

Students also noted that the talk-back session provided a deeper understanding of mental health issues. Many expressed feeling "more likely to seek help" for mental health concerns after attending the event.

We are proud to create opportunities like this that encourage empathy and break down barriers to mental health conversations.

Our Valued Sponsors:

Our Historic Run Off Broadway

"The stories you will hear will probably stay with you after you exit the theater."

– Cititour.com

"Ehrenpreis finds HUMOR and HEART

naturally as he creates understanding

between himself and the audience."

– Theatermania

Check out Scott’s interview on CBS New York with Cindy Hsu

Rave Reviews

Starring Actor & Storyteller

Scott Ehrenpreis

Written and Directed by

Jason Cannon

"A haunting and deeply personal one-man show about the power of love and redemption. "
-TheaterScene.net

"There are many valuable lessons imparted that we should all take to heart. The stories you will hear will probably stay with you after you exit the theater."
-Citi Tour

In his deeply personal and universally resonant one-man show, seasoned actor and master storyteller Scott Ehrenpreis tells his humorous yet profound story of living with mental illness. Like, lots of mental illness.

Clowns Like Me fearlessly confronts the challenges of living with autism spectrum disorder, OCD, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, and depression, weaving a tale that is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring. Through his journey, Scott uncovers a remarkable truth: the stage becomes his sanctuary, a place where, if only for a few hours, he can emerge from the shadows of his struggles into the spotlight of empowerment and self-expression.

This unique and uplifting theatrical experience that promises not only to entertain but to illuminate the resilience of the human spirit. Clowns Like Me invites audiences to witness the transformative power of storytelling, where laughter and vulnerability collide to reveal the strength found in facing one's fears.

We had many unforgettable evenings complete with post-show talkbacks with Scott and the audience where the magic of theater becomes a beacon of hope and liberation for those impacted by mental illness.

"A surprisingly JOYOUS AND CATHARTIC experience for both the actor and the audience."
- HERALD TRIBUNE

“I found answers and closure to my son’s suicide that nothing in the past ten years could give me.”- DENA WIRT

Clowns Like Me Talk Back Photos_RebeccaJMichelson-6.jpg

Clowns Like Me BIOS

Scott Ehrenpreis (Story/Performer) earned a BFA in performance from Ohio University. Stage credits include his one-man show Clowns Like Me (Off-Broadway, Sarasota), Network, Smoke and Mirrors, and The Lehman Trilogy at Florida Studio Theatre, and Moon over Buffalo at The Player's Theatre. He played Ben Silverman in The Sunshine Boys (multiple productions), The Front Page at Asolo Reparatory Theatre, and several shows and play festivals at Theatre Odyssey. Television credits include South Beach Tow (TruTV), as CIA officer in Burn Notice (USA Network), and as Isaac Andrews in Anastasia Avenue (web series). Film credits include I Am a White Blood Cell, The Actor, and Mr. Smiller.

Jason Cannon (Playwright/Director) is an award-winning actor, director, playwright, improviser, and teacher, as well as a best-selling author and publisher. He has an MFA in Directing, an MA in Drama, and over 25 years’ experience in professional theatre. Jason has 100+ credits as an actor, 120+ credits as a director, and Clowns Like Me is his ninth produced play as a playwright. Proud member AEA and SDC. www.jasoncannon.art

CREATIVE AND PRODUCTION TEAM

Joel Ehrenpreis

Jonathan Demar

Mott/Fischer Productions

Jeff Dillon

Alex Pinchin

Production Stage Manager

Lifeline Founder & Producer

General Management

Original Lighting &

Sound Design

Executive Producer

Xiangfu Xiao

Louis Vetter-Torres

Chris McVicker

Sean Hagerty

MCPR

NY Lighting Designer

Press

SRQ Sound Designer

SRQ Lighting Designer

Sound Design

Special Arrangement by Daryl Roth Productions with thanks to the DR2 Theatre

Produced by Lifeline Productions, with The Doll-Loesel Foundation and The Dena Wirt Trust.

Lifeline Productions is a Sarasota, FL based 501c3 nonprofit that produces personal stories of those living with mental illness to create awareness, stimulate conversation, reduce stigmas, and foster hope and healing. Click here to learn more.