Central Wisconsin Children’s Theatre (CWCT) has a mission that is about much more than putting kids on stage. This well-loved community organization empowers young people to build healthy relationships, take positive risks, bolster their self-esteem, and explore their passions through the theatre arts.
In a bold departure from its standard repertoire of Disney musicals and classic children’s shows, CWCT recently decided to produce Be More Chill, a coming-of-age story about teenagers trying to navigate the social-emotional complexities of high school life. While the show provided a unique opportunity to engage adolescent students with themes that are highly relevant to their lives and invaluable learning opportunities to improve their mental health, self-esteem, identity, and relationships, there was just one catch: Be More Chill is full of sensitive and mature content which isn’t typically explored in children’s theatre.
To educate parents, auditionees, and the community at large about how CWCT planned to help participants learn and grow by diving into the complex and compelling themes in Be More Chill, I completed an intensive study of the musical and wrote a comprehensive content guide. I’m exceptionally grateful for the opportunity to work with a forward-thinking organization that advocates for young people by engaging them in conversations and learning opportunities to promote their mental health, emotional growth, and personal safety.