The University of Montana is preparing to launch the 2025 State of Mind tour in early September, continuing its initiative to address mental health stigmas and promote community engagement across the state.
The project, created by UM’s Co-Lab for Civic Imagination in partnership with Montana Repertory Theater, uses interactive theater and public dialogue as tools to foster conversations about mental and behavioral health. The effort aims to advance community listening and share resources for improving care.
Michael Rohd, director of UM’s Co-Lab for Civic Imagination, said, “What makes this effort successful is that the content of the project has been created through collaboration with community members with lived experiences, local experts and area knowledge. After a successful launch in 2024, we are thrilled to again hit the road this fall to help ensure every corner of Montana has access to this critical project.”
Since its inception in 2024, the State of Mind tour has reached nearly 20 communities throughout Montana. For fall 2025, more than 15 additional events are planned. At each stop, the program includes workshops for high school students, professional development sessions for educators and healthcare workers, and free theater performances shaped by input from each local community.
Feedback from participants highlights the impact of these events. Conrad High School Principal Raymond DeBruycker said, “State of Mind 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. The workshop not only addressed the important issues, but also empowered us to support one another in our collective journey toward emotional well-being within our school and community.”
The program’s focus on encouraging dialogue among young people and adults seeks to empower cultural change around challenging topics. Ekalaka Public Schools Superintendent James Kapptie noted, “Letting kids interact and discuss what concerns them is so powerful. Allowing our entire student body to be part of this has created great conversations for our staff and community.”
Evening performances have drawn attention statewide. Cassie Weightman, an independent living specialist with Ability Montana in Butte, commented: “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.” Miranda Zent from Southwest Montana Prevention added: “The performance successfully deconstructs Montana’s overwhelming mental health crisis into manageable pieces that are accessible and actionable. We’re left with the understanding that even without perfect answers, simply knowing that support is available can be profoundly helpful, and talking about a frightening concern is often less difficult than we might imagine. State of Mind gives us the experience of watching a story that’s playing out in our own lives – one that we’re all participating in – and we’re writing how it ends together.”
During the previous academic year (2024-25), State of Mind held events across 17 counties alongside over 70 community partners; more than 2,700 Montanans have participated since its start.
Residencies scheduled for fall 2025 include stops in Gardiner (Sept. 4-5), Dillon (Sept. 15-16), Billings (Sept. 22-26), Forsyth (Sept. 29-30), Power (Oct. 22-23), Libby (Oct. 28-29), Glendive (Oct. 30-31), Lame Deer (Nov.10-11), Phillipsburg (Nov.13-14) ,and Scobey (Nov.17-18).
More information can be found at UM Co-Lab for Civic Imagination webpage.
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Contact: Michael Rohd, UM director of the Co-Lab for Civic Imagination, Michael.Rohd@umontana.edu
