A Greater Cincinnati theater group comprised of graduates from The School for Creating & Performing Arts (SCPA) has donated proceeds from the production of a play dealing with mental health issues to The Lindner Center of HOPE.
MFB Theaterworks raised $1,100 from its recent sold-out production of “Scooter Thomas Makes It To The Top of The World,” a play that is designed to raise awareness about depression, mental illness, and suicide.
MFB Theaterworks presents check to Lindner Center of Hope
MFB was formed to produce the play, which was presented on the campus of Thomas More University earlier this month, said actor and producer Mitch Holland, 19, a Northern Kentucky native and student at Webster University in St. Louis.
Others involved in the production included Freddy Straud, director; actor Ben Mitchell, who played Scooter; Emily Mench, stage manager; and Gary Holland, co-producer.
“It is a very serious play that also has some comedy and a very important message,” Holland said. “I found the script about three years ago and kept it in my back pocket knowing that I wanted to eventually do something with it.
“We did some research, and found out about the great work being done by the Lindner Center of Hope in regards to mental health,” Holland said. “With the content and themes of the play, we all thought it would be cool to donate the money to the Lindner Center.”
Located in Mason, the Lindner Center of Hope is a comprehensive, not-for-profit mental health center providing nationally recognized, patient-centered, scientifically-advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. In partnership with UC Health and the UC College of Medicine, Lindner Center of HOPE offers a true, elevated system of mental health care in Greater Cincinnati.
Mary Alexander, Director of Development at Lindner Center of HOPE, said the funds will be used for education and awareness.
“We are so impressed with these young people who gave a good portion of their summer rehearsing to bring the play ‘Scooter Thomas’ to our community,” Alexander said. “Not only have they raised awareness about mental illness through their performance but are lessening the stigma so often associated with mental illness. An added bonus was the generous gift that The Center received as a result of their performance.”
Holland hopes to someday work as an actor or producer.
“I am very grateful to have worked with such great people on this play,” Holland said. “Everyone involved hopes it inspires young artists in theater to do things on their own.”
—-lessening the stigma so often associated with mental illness
One way to do that: Stop participating alongside those who say there is a stigma. Stop personally, stop editorially.