March 6, 2014

 

Contacts:

Dr. Sarah Keller, Communications & Theatre, at skeller@msubillings.edu or 896-5824 
Carmen Price, University Relations, 657-2269

 

Innovative suicide-prevention campaign written and performed by Billings high school students, ‘Let's Talk Billings’ will reach out to teens and community members during March performances at the NOVA Center for the Performing Arts.

 

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — In case you missed the sold out premier of “Let’s Talk Billings,” in January, the Billings teen performance group will be on stage again at the NOVA Center for the Performing Arts Fringe Festival March 14 and 15.

 

Let's Talk Billings event postcard image

The community-based project is spearheaded by Global Health Equity Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Miles City aimed to improve global health equity through research, advocacy and capacity building, and co-sponsored by the Montana IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence. The shows are directed, in part, by MSU Billings alumni and faculty.

 

The grassroots efforts aim to address the stigma that surrounds suicide and mental illness by encouraging community dialogue, education and engagement about the topics.

 

When asked why he joined the effort, teen performer Jonathan Walters said he wanted to show others that “there’s a way out, and you don’t have to suffer in silence.”

 

Hear Me Help Me will be performed on Friday, March 14, from 7:30 to 8 p.m. The play was developed by the Native American teen's group and will be followed by a short question and answer session.  



On Saturday, March 15, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., The Sound of Silence will be presented. The performance was developed by local teens studying the performing arts in Billings. Following the act, a second showing of Hear Me Help Me will be performed. Following the shows, a question and answer session will take place.  

 

For more information about the project and performance, visitwww.letstalkbillings.com or contact Keller at 406-896-5824.