Summer 2026 - Washington DC, June 24-26, 2026
Co-hosted by: University of Montana's Co-Lab for Civic Imagination and The Lab for Global Performance and Politics'" The Art of Care" Initiative
State of Mind (produced by University of Montana's Co-Lab for Civic Imagination in collaboration with Montana Repertory Theater) is a theatre-based community residency model about Behavioral/Mental Health that has been touring Montana for the last 18 months, bringing performance, workshops and town meetings to over 30 mostly rural communities. As the tour continues, there has been national interest from theaters, universities, health coalitions, artists and others who want to utilize the model in their own communities. This Summer Institute aims to help people do that. If the goals below (the goals that animate the design and execution of this project) seem aligned with your work in your community/region, this model may be useful for you.
Goals
With a commitment to center the needs of our community's/region's most vulnerable residents, State of Mind aims to shift culture around Behavioral/Mental Health by:
- Making local behavioral health resources more visible;
- Strengthening local networks of advocates, providers, educators and leaders;
- Tackling stigmas around seeking mental and behavioral health support;
- Activating/Centering youth voices in the identification of local needs and visions;
- Exploring & normalizing care strategies for friends, family, and neighbors;
- Listening and bringing local perspectives into larger local or regional conversations.
The three-day Institute has in-person and virtual options, and will take place June 24-26. in Washington DC (and online). There are 40 slots available for in-person, and 30 slots available online. For a slide deck that describes the project in greater detail and answers potential questions, see here. For other questions to determine if this Institute makes sense for you, contact me here.
Institute led by Michael Rohd, State of Mind project director, (and writer of the play) and Josh Aaseng, State of Mind Producer for Community Partnerships.
Day 1: Getting Started
Session 1 - Three Hours
Front end engagement, partnership strategies and fundraising (we will share grant narratives and materials we use)
Session 2 - Three Hours
Residency workshop and coalition meeting structures (we will share curriculum and facilitation structure and outlines)
End of Day Q&A
Day 2: Content
Session 1 - Three Hours
More on workshop/meeting strategies; introduce the show
Session 2 - Three Hours
The show (we will share script/score, and access to videos)
End of Day Q&A
Day 3: On the Road
Session 1 - Three Hours
Identifying and preparing for residencies with host communities/neighborhoods (we will share tools and templates and checklists)
Session 2 - Three Hours
Post-residency (Strategies and materials to engage/support after tour visit)
End of Day Q&A
In-Person or Online Fee: $300
(please bring your own lunch/snacks; no lodging provided)
“Truly stands out as one of the best conversations I've had with both students and staff. The open and honest conversations fostered by the program allowed for a safe space for everyone to express their thoughts and feelings about social-emotional needs. It was inspiring to see students and teachers engage in authentic conversations on such a tough topic. This empowered us to support one another in our collective journey toward emotional well-being within our school and our community. I highly recommend State of Mind to anyone.”
- Raymond DeBruycker, Principal, Conrad H.S.
“A powerful experience that brings a community together around mental health. The daytime workshops spark essential dialogue, offering deep insights from students, educators, and local service providers. Then, in the evening, the performance dives into the complexities of mental health with raw honesty and emotional depth. It's a stunning blend of storytelling, vulnerability, and care—crafted and delivered with extraordinary compassion. I’ve had the privilege of experiencing it twice, and each time I’ve been profoundly moved by its impact. The community meeting provides a thoughtful space to reflect, connect, and explore meaningful ways we can support mental wellness together. State of Mind leaves communities stronger, more open, and more connected. Every community deserves this kind of healing and hope.”
- Cassie Weightman, Independent Living Specialist, Ability MT, Butte
Washington DC
Hosted by Lab for Global Performance and Politics' "The Art of Care Initiative" at Georgetown University
June 24-26, 2026
10am- 5:30pm
(1 hour lunch break)
The State of Mind National Summer Institute is co-hosted by The Art of Care Initiative (of Georgetown University's Lab for Global Performance and Politics). The Art of Care Initiative advances the idea that art and care are profoundly linked, and that this linkage can lead to more caring systems, better health outcomes, and a more just world. The Art of Care is led by Dr. Derek Goldman, a long time collaborator of State of Mind project director Michael Rohd. This Institute is a first step in a new commitment to working together, sharing practices and models that build trust and contribute to community wellness at scale.