Theatre for Hope and Healing

Theatre for Hope and Healing (THH) is a Chicago-based theatre company with an international reach, dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through narrative arts. We believe in theatre’s transformative power to promote mental health, foster healing, and cultivate narrative agency—the ability to reclaim authorship of our own stories. Our work combines Slow Theatre performances, trauma-informed practices, and community engagement to create spaces where individuals can heal by experiencing and sharing their truths. 

At THH, Slow Theatre is our unique approach, creating a neuroceptive environment of safety for open exploration of both classic and new works through a lens of empathy and mental health. We also offer coaching through therapeutic narrative arts, in-person workshops, scene studies, and opportunities for community dialogues. Our performances feature works from all eras, and we focus on how narrative in theatre can act as a healing tool. Upcoming Events include our Slow Theatre Reading + Talkback of Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen, where psychotherapist Harry Barandes will use the play as a starting point for discussion about mental health and the potential of theatre as a source for healing for individuals and communities alike. In addition to Slow Theatre, we utilize the Safe Place to Play acting methodology, which ensures a trauma-informed environment where participants can engage with the material safely and explore their emotional and psychological responses. 

At THH, we are deeply committed to advancing research on the intersection of theatre, mental health, and resilience. We plan to conduct IRB-reviewed studies to refine our trauma-informed practices and contribute to the growing body of research on how narrative arts in theatre can support mental health. These studies will assess the impact of theatre in fostering emotional resilience and social well-being, as well as the potential of trauma-informed theatre to promote healing in individuals and communities. Your financial contributions will enable us to sustain and grow our work, ensuring theatre prioritizes mental health and community care. Join us in empowering individuals to reclaim their stories and build resilience through the transformative power of theatre.