Southern Rep Theatre Announces CARE FOR CREATIVES Programming

Southern Rep Theatre announces the launch of "Care for Creatives," a new program designed to serve the New Orleans creative community with a series of low-cost mental health self-care events. Care for Creatives programming is hosted at the new Southern Rep Theatre venue at 2541 Bayou Road, New Orleans, and is presented in partnership with the New Orleans Musicians' Clinic & Assistance Foundation's "You Got This" initiative.

Care for Creatives is a playground and classroom where creative adults can practice the art of being well. You Got This and its partner programs strive to ensure the wellbeing of New Orleans' creative community by providing mental health self-care activities to foster hope and social connection.

Together with You Got This, Care for Creatives unites New Orleans' creative community with mental health practitioners in a sanctuary space to promote resilience through enriching workshops and engaging events. Supportive activities are centered around personal development, psychological education, and healing with drama, music, visual art, movement, guided relaxation, and other expressive forms. Care for Creatives supports Southern Rep Theatre's mission to nurture the creative professionals of our community by working to promote optimal mental health self-care amongst creatives.

At Southern Rep Theatre, Care for Creatives caters to the unique needs of New Orleans' creative professionals, broadly defined. "Creativity can be expressed on stage and in the studio or behind the scenes and in the office. From the entertainment industry to visual and culinary arts, all self-identified creators are welcomed to attend our inclusive programs," says Care for Creativesprogram director Sarah Zoghbi.

Care for Creatives registration is now available online. Offerings include three unique programs: WELLBEING WORKSHOPS, HEALING POWER HOURS, and SUNDAY BRUNCH TALKS. Events are open to ages 18+ and are offered for $5 per event.

These personal growth processing groups meet weekly for five- and six- week series to foster deep exploration and connection through artistic mediums such as music, visual art, drama, and movement. This is where adults discover new insight through relaxation and play! The first Wellbeing Workshop series begins October 15, 2018 with "Music for the Mind, Body, and Soul," guided by Dr. Penny Roberts and Maximo Mendizabal. Pre-registration required per series. See schedule for details at southernrep.com/plays/wellbeing-workshops.

This schedule of open sessions provides a consistent weekly sanctuary space for creatives to congregate for self-care through various healing activities. Sessions range from relaxation training, yoga and meditation practices, to expressive arts with group connection and psychological education for wellbeing. A weekly community potluck follows the session - bring a snack to share!Drop-ins welcome, no pre-registration required. See schedule for details atsouthernrep.com/plays/healing-power-hours.

On second Sundays, community gathers for live music and a nourishing brunch. Talented guest performance artists entertain, followed by an open-hearted panel where performers share their personal stories about mental health, creativity, and hope for wellbeing. All community welcomed! See schedule for details at southernrep.com/plays/sunday-brunch-talks.

The full 2018-19 Care for Creatives program schedule is online at southernrep.com/care-for-creatives, including registration information for Wellbeing Workshops and a lineup of practitioners.

Individuals and organizations interested in more information or seeking to get involved with Care for Creatives can contact Sarah Zoghbi at 504-356-2094 or szoghbi@southernrep.com.

All details subject to change. Please visit www.southernrep.com for the most up-to-date information or contact PR@southernrep.com / 504-523-9857 for general inquiries about Southern Rep Theatre programs and new venue.

Entering its 32nd Season, Southern Rep Theatre produces award-winning productions that are engaging, educational, and accessible for audiences of every socioeconomic background. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Aimée Hayes, Southern Rep Theatre's Mainstage Season work includes bold World and Regional Premieres as well as the best of Broadway, off-Broadway, and classic plays. Southern Rep Theatre's Lagniappe Series and "School to Stage Pipeline" of Arts Education Programs reflect the company's ongoing commitment to new play development by providing resources for students and burgeoning theatre professionals and supporting a more diverse theatre community. A mainstay of New Orleans' arts community, Southern Rep Theatre continues to build on its unique position as a sector leader, creative force, and important resource for contemporary American theatre. Starting in 2018-19, Southern Rep Theatre is housed in a multi-stage theatre complex at the former St. Rose de Lima church, part of the Rose Collaborative.

Founded in 1998 by a coalition of music advocates, the New Orleans Musicians' Clinic (NOMC) is a donor-supported, brick and mortar health care clinic for area performers within the LSU Healthcare Network. It is the first and only comprehensive clinic for musicians and cultural workers in the USA and currently provides culturally-sensitive primary medical care to more than 2,500 patients regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. The New Orleans Musicians' Assistance Foundation (NOMAF) supports and operates the NOMC and additionally services as a health advocacy organization for the larger music community to promote wellness and health literacy. For more information on the New Orleans Musicians' Clinic & Assistance Foundation, visit www.neworleansmusiciansclinic.org.