News
Our first conference
On July 23, 2026, The Kind MIND attended its first Theater Education Conference — the Educational Theatre Association's annual gathering for theater educators — at Open Jar Studios in New York City. The conference was led by Janie Slavens, a founding member of The Kind MIND's advisory board, and brings together teachers from across the country who lead its workshops.
In the Press
The Kind Mind Uses Arts Education to Make Space for Mental Health Conversations
“I am a champion of arts education because I believe that by immersing ourselves in other people's stories and experiences, we can form meaningful connections to one another.”
Stacie Karp Weisbrot on why the arts belong in the conversation
Read the feature →
Bay Street Theater Review
Lost and Found
“The event will explore the impact of social media and internet use on young people’s mental health and well-being.”
Read at 27east →
Photograph by Rossa Cole
The Reading Room
Related stories from the field.
Not only for students of theater, but for all ages. Writing on arts education, mental health, and young people that reflects why this work matters — gathered by The Kind MIND.
American Theatre · Jul 2026 · Kelundra Smith
5 Things the Pros Can Learn From High School Theatre
“Yes, resource allocation matters, but imagination allocation matters more.”
Read at American Theatre → (opens in a new tab)The 74 · Apr 2025
How Arts Education Engages Students More Deeply in Other Subjects
“An arts educator’s case for arts integration — giving students, especially in under-resourced schools, a more hands-on way into every other subject.”
Read at The 74 → (opens in a new tab)Frontiers in Psychology · May 2021 · Holochwost, Goldstein & Wolf
Delineating the Benefits of Arts Education for Children’s Socioemotional Development
“A framework for understanding how specific arts programs support distinct areas of children’s social and emotional growth.”
Read at Frontiers in Psychology → (opens in a new tab)National Advocates for Arts Education
Evidence & Research
“A curated evidence base on the collective strengths and benefits of arts education, gathered to inform national policy.”
Read at National Advocates for Arts Education → (opens in a new tab)Intermountain Health · Oct 2024
Theatre Therapy: How the arts enhance your mental health
“A hospital system's case for the theater as a third place — somewhere audiences find catharsis, empathy, and relief from isolation.”
Read at Intermountain Health → (opens in a new tab)Priti Kothari, MD
The Role of Holiday Theatre in Mental Well-Being
“A psychiatrist on why seasonal performances reach people who felt alone before the lights went down.”
Read at Priti Kothari, MD → (opens in a new tab)Aging & Mental Health (PDF) · Dec 2018 · Meeks, Vandenbroucke & Shryock
Psychological benefits of attending the theatre associated with positive affect and well-being for subscribers over age 60
“A University of Louisville study, funded by the NEA: among subscribers over 60, regular theatergoing tracked with higher positive affect and well-being.”
Read at Aging & Mental Health (PDF) → (opens in a new tab)On The Stage
Exploring the Positive Effects of Theatre on Mental Health
“Community, representation, and empathy — the everyday ways theater supports mental health, and where to turn for help.”
Read at On The Stage → (opens in a new tab)Monitor on Psychology · Sep 2025 · Kirsten Weir
What happens in the brain when we experience art
“How to unleash the power of neuroaesthetics for health, well-being, and social change”
Read at Monitor on Psychology → (opens in a new tab)Miami University · Jun 2026 · Lauren Smetzer
Can theatre improve youth mental health? Miami professor aims to find out
“The idea is early intervention. Providing interventions for mental health through the arts can help promote wellbeing and reduce the risk of complications later.”
Read at Miami University → (opens in a new tab)University of Minnesota Medical School · Jul 2021 · Brianna Vitands
A Spotlight on Mental Health and Theatre
“When you really get into character, your blood pressure goes up, your heart rate increases and your mind and body can't differentiate between reality and acting.”
Read at University of Minnesota Medical School → (opens in a new tab)National Centre for Creative Health
Why arts in schools matter for mental health: from early years to adolescence
“Mental health challenges often begin early, with half of all lifetime mental health conditions emerging before the age of 14.”
Read at National Centre for Creative Health → (opens in a new tab)
Resources
Books & further reading.
Books and sources on theater, young people, and the case for arts education — gathered by The Kind MIND.
Book · Teachers College Press · 2024
Why Theatre Education Matters: Understanding Its Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Benefits
Thalia R. Goldstein & Ellen Winner
View at tcpress.com → (opens in a new tab)Book · University of Toronto Press · 2014
Why Theatre Matters: Urban Youth, Engagement, and a Pedagogy of the Real
Kathleen Gallagher
View at utppublishing.com → (opens in a new tab)Book · Heinemann · 1998
Theatre for Community, Conflict & Dialogue: The Hope Is Vital Training Manual
Michael Rohd
View at amazon.com → (opens in a new tab)Book · Routledge · 2021
Applied Theatre with Youth: Education, Engagement, Activism
Lisa S. Brenner, Chris Ceraso & Evelyn Diaz Cruz (eds.)
View at routledge.com → (opens in a new tab)Book · Simon & Schuster · 2025
Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist
Daniel Pollack-Pelzner
View at simonandschuster.com → (opens in a new tab)Book · Penguin Workshop · 2026
Limelight
Andrew Keenan-Bolger
View at penguinrandomhouse.com → (opens in a new tab)Book · Regalo Press · 2026
Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner
Marc Shaiman
View at simonandschuster.com → (opens in a new tab)Book · Meriwether Publishing · 2013
Drama Projects for the Middle School Classroom: A Collection of Theatre Activities for Young Actors
Rebecca Young
View at pioneerdrama.com → (opens in a new tab)Book · Routledge · 2006
The High School Theatre Teacher's Survival Guide
Raina S. Ames
View at routledge.com → (opens in a new tab)