New Hampshire Theatre Project + Seacoast Mental Health Center present new program focusing on youth mental health

New Hampshire Theatre Project’s 2025-2026 Elephant-in-the-Room Series opens on September 17 with 

Our Kids Are NOT Alright by Tim Barretto

Thursday, September 17 - 5:30 pm

In collaboration with Seacoast Mental Health Center

Admission is free but registration is required

NOTE: This program will be filmed and audience members may be asked to sign an optional media release form.

PORTSMOUTH—September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and NHTP’s newest Elephant-in-the-Room Series® program presents audiences with the reality that, in today’s world, our children are suffering from anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts to a degree never seen before in previous generations.

In developing this script, playwright Tim Barretto reached out to numerous organizations in New Hampshire that focus on Youth Mental Health. The clear consensus is that our children today, especially adolescents, are dealing with an unprecedented level of anxiety, depression, suicide and self-harm, and we need to be more knowledgeable and proactive in how we address this issue.

Our Kids Are NOT Alright is designed specifically for parents, or parents together with their children ages 10 and up. Admission is free, but registration is strongly suggested. This program will be filmed and audience members may be asked to sign an optional media release form. 

The play reading of Our Kids Are NOT Alright will be followed by a community discussion with representatives from Seacoast Mental Health Center.

Our Kids Are NOT Alright will be directed by CJ Lewis and features Genevieve Aichele, Alexandra Child, Blair Hundertmark, Colleen Madden, Sean Robinson and Zuri Wemple. 

“Research consistently shows that one of the most effective ways to protect young people is by educating trusted adults and peers to recognize the warning signs of mental health challenges and suicidal ideation. NHTP’s Elephant in the Room Series® addresses these critical issues in a creative and impactful way. Their thoughtful approach fosters community awareness by combining powerful storytelling with facilitated discussions led by subject matter experts, encouraging informed dialogue around difficult topics.” - Connor’s Climb Foundation

For more information and for free registration for this event, please visit www.nhtheatreproject.org/onstagenow

 

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