Mental Health Matters - Kicking My Blue Genes in the Butt

Mental Health Matters – Kicking My Blue Genes in the Butt

The Emerson Theater Collaborative (ETC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to serve youth, under-represented communities and artists with an emphasis on diversity, by producing innovative and thought-provoking theater both in southeastern Connecticut and Sedona, Arizona. One such example is a wonderful play called Vivian’s Music 1969 by Monica Bauer that was a featured program at ETC in February 2020.

Camilla Ross is the President and Chairman of Emerson Theater Collaborative, Inc., Producer and Actress (Portray’s Harriet Tubman – Harriet Tubman’s Dream written by Lisa Giordano). She is also the President and Chairman of the Sedona Arts Academy.

“To be a catalyst for social change is really where it’s at for me,” Camilla said. “I believe theater should always be a venue for social change. I love the art of live theater and love what it does to the human soul and spirit. It moves us to look at life differently. To leave off the rose-colored glasses and really see the human condition.”ETC is a shining example. Founded in 2008 to give voice to actors’ innate talent for character development, Camilla has since produced more than 20 inspired, original performances. Emerging and professional cast and crew have blossomed under her guidance. And together they’ve created profound, can’t-ever-forget shows that illuminate social issues, and transform audience curiosity into concern and action.

Camilla has a deep well of experience and mentorship to tap into for her ETC roles—from her days at Emerson College and then in regional theaters and commercials. Among her favorite portrayals? Capturing the heart, spark, and essence of Harriet Tubman in the one-woman show Harriet Tubman’s Dream. Camilla is also deeply involved with youth, their visions for social change, and the desire to see the world as a stage of peace. To that end, she’s a tireless advocate for children and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome. She gives kids and teen real-life theatrical experience through ETC’s Summer Youth Program and enlivens their eagerness to learn about the history and genuine heroes through ETC’s school programs. Camilla is a steadfast suicide prevention advocate too, helping teens and adults avoid this tragedy and move forward to a happier, more positive future.

Camilla has taught business courses part-time at Three Rivers Community College since 2005, Sat on the Emerson College Alumni Board for ten years, and is past president of the Connecticut Alumni Chapter. In May 2014 Camilla was honored by the Writer’s Block of New London, Conn., for her past work as an instructor. In June 2013 she was named Woman of The Year by the Women’s Network of Southeastern Connecticut, and she’s been featured in many periodicals for her community service. In 2019 Emerson Theater Collaborative was nominated as Collaborator of the year in Sedona AZ. A veteran of the U.S. Navy and member of Kappa Beta Delta, Camilla earned her BA in Performing Arts: Acting from Emerson College in 1985 and her MBA in Finance from Baker College in Michigan.

Connect with Camilla on LinkedIn and follow ETC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Kathy Bashor is a staunch advocate of peer and family driven care in the behavioral health system. Her can-do spirit has resulted in the strengthening of peer/family voice, access to care and choice in services throughout the system.

Personally, understanding the impact of trauma on health, Kathy lead the Arizona department of Health on a successful statewide campaign to adopt Trauma Informed Care in all aspects of the Behavioral Health system.

Kathy earned a master’s degree from Arizona state University where she served on the faculty for 4 years.

Kathy recently retired from AHCCCS as the Bureau Chief of the Office of Individual and Family Affairs

Recent awards: ASU Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy 2017 Award for Leadership

In Advocacy

David’s HOPE 2018 Max Dine Award for Advocacy and Leadership

Recent publication: Recovery: Principles, Research and Practices in Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital, Stigma and Recovery

Kathy is very grateful to have the opportunity to participate in the Read Earth Theater writing class. She arrived curious and with the hope of making new friends. Through the process she gained so much more. She greatly values the opportunity to meet others who have met life challenges with courage and respect. Most importantly, through the writing process, Kathy has been able to find peace within herself.

Josh Rivedal‘s one man, live Broadway-style play Kicking My Blue Genes in the Butt includes fifteen characters and seven songs and is both comedic and poignant.

Mr. Rivedal discusses the tragic suicides of both his father and grandfather in a primal piece of live storytelling that creates an emotional connection with the audience and conveys the powerful message that suicide is preventable.

Finally, there will be a live Q&A between Mr. Rivedal and the audience on the importance of mental health and suicide prevention. Representatives of NAMI of Phoenix, will moderate the after-show discussion.

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Who:

Emerson Theater Collaborative in collaboration with NAMI, Verde Valley Mental Health Coalition, I Am Worthy Project, and the i’Mpossible Project

Why:

Because Mental Health Matters

When:

Thursday, Friday & Saturday

September 23th, 24th, 25th @ 7-8:30pm – 2pm -3:30pm on the 25th

Where:

Sedona Arts Academy, The Collective, 7000 SR 179 Ste. C100, Sedona AZ 86351

Tickets:

In-Person theater costs. For the first time ever, pick your seats with our new “seating” map.