Seth Bodnar President at University of Montana | Official Website
Seth Bodnar President at University of Montana | Official Website
During a recent school board meeting in Great Falls, Montana, high school students shared personal stories about mental and behavioral health. These narratives were crafted during a workshop led by the University of Montana's "State of Mind" theater and public dialogue tour. The emotional impact was profound, with some board members moved to tears.
Michael Rohd, creator of "State of Mind" and director of the Co-Lab for Civic Imagination at UM, noted the unexpected influence: “That was an impact we didn’t expect,” he said. “It stopped the meeting for a moment because board members were crying as these students read their statements."
The "State of Mind" initiative aims to foster conversations on mental health across Montana through theater performances and community engagement. Since its launch last fall, it has visited several towns including Missoula and Glasgow, with more planned visits in 2025.
Workshops are conducted in each town for students, teachers, public health officials, and community stakeholders to facilitate communication between youth and adults while promoting awareness about available health resources. Participants create materials that are later incorporated into live performances.
“We bring people together,” Rohd stated. “And we try to destigmatize talking about and seeking help for mental health issues.”
Statistics from the "State of Mind" website highlight Montana's mental health challenges: it ranks among the top five states for suicide rates over three decades; 35% report depression or anxiety symptoms; 8% lack insurance making access difficult; over 40% of students feel hopeless or chronically sad.
Actor Kendra Mylnechuk Potter acknowledged these challenges during a performance: “Montana faces a mental health crisis," she said. "But we do believe that talking about mental health is a step toward better mental health for all of us.”
The program receives support from foundations like Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and Headwaters Foundation which fund various initiatives on campus.
Rohd expressed gratitude towards these supporters: “I am so grateful to the forward-thinking folks at Arthur M. Blank Foundation and Headwaters who recognize importance public discussions around these issues."
Coordinated by Rohd alongside producer Josh Aaseng—with actors counselors social workers education specialists—the show combines scripted performance audience participation allowing flexibility track order chosen by audiences enhancing unpredictability experience overall effectiveness dialogue promotion efforts continued success sought nationwide expansion potential future funding considerations ongoing developments contact information provided interested parties
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