WHY THIS PROJECT/MISSION?

 

Our nation continues to face a mental health crisis. The stigma surrounding mental illness keeps the general population from fully understanding or being aware of just how critical and widespread the situation is. The rate of suicide has skyrocketed in recent years. There is an overwhelming demand for care, treatment, and assistance for those suffering from mental illness, with too many going entirely undiagnosed. When asked, most surveyed participants and donors affirmed they know someone in their family who suffer from a mental illness or know someone close to them who does. It’s that pervasive. We see a severe lack of funding and support for services, especially in Florida, which ranks at the bottom in the nation.

 

WHO IS LIFELINE PRODUCTIONS?

 

Using the power of the arts, LIFELINE PRODUCTIONS exists to create awareness and produce personal life stories that take you inside the minds of those who struggle, to better understand their invisible demons, and shatter the stigma surrounding mental illness. These stories are about the resiliency of the human spirit. Stories like these provide hope, healing, comfort and a sense of control in their own lives for those who suffer from mental illness. It will also be invaluable to their families and friends, those who professionally care for them, and the civilian population who are unaware of the crisis we face. LIFELINE is achieving this mission by presenting original works of art to as many people as possible across various media platforms: theatre, video/film, and publications. LIFELINE is maximizing the reach of these works of art by developing and nurturing relationships and partnerships with both local and national mental health organizations and other powerful programs that deal with such issues as suicide, end of life/death with dignity, and PTSD, to name just a few. We are using the power of storytelling in both theatre and film to help normalize mental illness. The company is already in discussions with a national non-profit, ACTIVE MINDS, whose mission for the past 18 years has been to address the alarming rate of suicides on college campuses from untreated mental illnesses.

 

WHAT ARE WE SEEKING?

 

LIFELINE PRODUCTIONS launched in 2022 with an initial fundraising goal of $132,000 to bring our first story to life. Thanks to the belief and generosity of community foundations and private philanthropists, we surpassed that goal within months and produced Clowns Like Me, a sold-out world premiere presented at the Cook Theatre on the FSU/Asolo Conservatory campus in May 2023 during National Mental Health Awareness Month. The production, performed by Sarasota actor Scott Ehrenpreis and based on his lived experience with mental illness, proved that deeply personal storytelling can reduce stigma, spark conversation, and foster genuine healing.

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Building on that momentum, Lifeline Productions premiered its second original work, Entangled, in May 2025. Presented again during Mental Health Awareness Month, Entangled expanded our artistic and community impact by exploring identity, connection, and the ways we carry, and avoid, our mental health stories. The production reinforced Lifeline’s commitment to pairing live performance with talkbacks, partnerships, and educational engagement, deepening our role as both a cultural and mental health resource.

 

As we look ahead to 2026, Lifeline Productions enters its next chapter with a bold vision: to produce new original works, expand our Lighthouse workshop series, strengthen community and clinical partnerships, and bring our stories to wider audiences through touring, documentation, and education. Our focus remains clear—using the power of authentic storytelling to break stigma, build empathy, and ensure no one feels alone in their mental health journey.

 

HOW TO DONATE:

 

If our project and mission personally touches your heart we thank you in advance not only for your generous donation but for your caring and commitment to being a part of meaningful change. To donate click below:

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