THE LAST ENCORE to Premiere at Twistid Arts Initiative
Director and playwright Elisha Belden leads a three-actor cast in the Citrus County, FL production.
Twistid Arts Initiative will premiere The Last Encore, an emotionally driven theatrical production that confronts young adult mental health, trauma, and the devastating impact of silent struggles, on May 22 - 31, 2026 at Twistid Arts Initiative's visual & performing arts studios.
Unlike traditional productions, The Last Encore strips theatre down to its most essential elements—featuring only three actors, minimal staging, and a single focal point. Through a series of raw, actor-driven monologues and dialogue, the story follows three young adults as they process the loss of a close friend who appeared outwardly happy while battling internal struggles.
The production is rooted in real experiences from Citrus County, drawing from the lived realities of local young people and the creative team behind the work.
Designed as both a performance and a community conversation, select performances will include post-show panel discussions featuring representatives from NAMI, CASA, and Lifestream Behavioral Services. These discussions will provide audiences with an opportunity to engage directly with local experts, ask questions, and connect with resources.
The production intentionally presents its themes in a non-graphic manner, making it accessible for teens, young adults, and educators while still addressing serious topics including depression, trauma, abuse, discrimination, and grief.
Twistid Arts Initiative, a Citrus County-based nonprofit dedicated to accessible arts education and community engagement, continues its mission of using live performance as a tool for awareness, connection, and impact.
|
Ken Ludwig's Dear Jack, Dear Louise Shimberg Playhouse, Straz Center for the Performing Arts (7/09-7/26) |
|
Schoolhouse Rock Live! Carrollwood Cultural Center (7/17-7/26) |
|
The Cross & The Saber Lab Theater Project Inc. (7/02-7/19) |
|
St. Pete Country Fest – Friday Vinoy Park (11/20-11/20) |
|
Young Performers to Roar onto the Stage at Richey Suncoast Theatre's "The Lion King" Summer Camp Richey Suncoast Theatre (7/06-7/10) |
|
Goo Goo Dolls at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre (8/24-8/24) |
|
The Gods of Comedy Carrollwood Players Theatre (8/14-8/30) |
|
Rush at Hard Rock Live Hard Rock Live (11/05-11/06) |
|
Spoon River Anthology: Voices from the Dead TheatreFor (7/31-8/09) |
|
Wicked Straz Center [Carol Morsani Hall] (2/03-2/28) |