{"id":371987,"date":"2025-09-15T15:14:17","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T19:14:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dctheaterarts.org\/?p=371987"},"modified":"2025-09-24T10:46:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T10:46:11","slug":"how-the-rocky-horror-show-is-helping-shine-a-light-on-suicide-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dctheaterarts.org\/2025\/09\/15\/how-the-rocky-horror-show-is-helping-shine-a-light-on-suicide-prevention\/","title":{"rendered":"How the ‘Rocky Horror Show’ is helping shine a light on suicide prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Bill Leary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suicide. It\u2019s a simple word with a devastating impact. It\u2019s a theme that has fueled countless dramatic works, but it\u2019s a reality that the theater community knows all too well. Tragically, many beloved artists have faced mental health struggles, with some choosing to end their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So when Community Crisis Services Inc. (CCSI)<\/strong> decided to organize a fundraiser to support suicide prevention, the choice of production may seem unexpected \u2014 Richard O\u2019Brien\u2019s The Rocky Horror Show<\/em>. But as CEO Tim Jansen<\/strong> explains, the choice was both intentional and deeply meaningful.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Why hold a fundraiser now, especially when so many are struggling?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tim Jansen:<\/strong> Many people don\u2019t realize that the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline<\/strong> has seen a budget cut of more than $2 million<\/strong>, and the dedicated LGBTQ+ \u201cpress 3\u201d option<\/strong> was completely defunded<\/strong>. These cuts forced us to lay off over 40 hardworking team members. We had to act \u2014 and fast. This fundraiser is our attempt to recoup even a small portion of that lost funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why a theatrical production, and not a traditional fundraiser?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I didn\u2019t want to host another evening of long speeches and rubber-chicken dinners. We’ve all sat through too many of those. I wanted to create a space where people could celebrate<\/strong>, learn<\/strong>, and connect <\/strong>\u2014 where the seriousness of suicide prevention could be approached openly<\/strong>, not hidden in the shadows. Theater is powerful in that way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But why The Rocky Horror Show<\/em> specifically?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rocky is a cultural phenomenon. Whether you\u2019ve seen it or not, most people know about it. The characters are wildly diverse, unapologetically themselves, and living outside societal norms. That message \u2014 of embracing individuality and being seen <\/strong>\u2014 is core to what CCSI stands for. We\u2019re here for everyone<\/strong>, not just those who fit into a specific mold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With limited funding, why use resources for a show instead of programs?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to a generous donor and theater lover<\/strong>, the entire production has been underwritten<\/strong>. That means not a single programmatic dollar<\/strong> is being spent. It\u2019s a zero-risk opportunity to raise awareness and funds without compromising our core services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do the themes of Rocky Horror<\/em> relate to suicide prevention?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each character in the show is an outsider in some way \u2014 longing for love, belonging, identity, or home<\/strong>. Frank builds the \u201cperfect man\u201d to find connection. Magenta and Riff Raff long to return home. Brad and Janet are on their own journey of self-discovery. These universal emotions \u2014 loneliness, confusion, hope, and longing <\/strong>\u2014 mirror what so many people experiencing suicidal thoughts go through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How has the cast responded to the mission behind the show?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many of our cast and crew have personal connections<\/strong> to this issue \u2014 whether as survivors of suicide loss, individuals who\u2019ve struggled with suicidal ideation, or advocates for mental health. In fact, the CDC has identified performing artists<\/strong> as having one of the highest rates<\/strong> of suicidal thoughts and attempts across all professions. So for many of them, this isn\u2019t just a performance \u2014 it\u2019s personal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can people support the event if they can\u2019t attend in person?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Absolutely. CCSI is a 501(c)(3)<\/strong> organization, so donations are tax deductible<\/strong>. You can donate online at www.ccsimd.org<\/a> or text CCSI to 71760<\/strong>. If you’d like to purchase a ticket to donate to someone else<\/strong>, we have an option for that as well. Just visit the donation section on our site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What else can attendees expect from the event?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is more than just a musical \u2014 it\u2019s a full community experience<\/strong>. We have an incredible preshow lineup<\/strong> featuring:<\/p>\n\n\n\n