J R Theatre are passionate about many things. Creating entertaining performances for audiences to enjoy? Yes! But that is fairly obvious! Creating thought provoking theatre that tackles tricky subjects? Yes - sometimes.... Again, fairly unoriginal and let’s face it - that‘s happening all over London.

But how about doing both those things whilst at the same time providing a comfortable, safe and reassuring platform for people with mental health problems to successfully take part in a show?

That is something that we really want to achieve! It is safe to say that people struggle with different forms of anxiety, depression and mental health illnesses in all walks of life and industries. But it can be particularly prevalent in a tough competitive industry such as Performing Arts where you are permanently in the spotlight.

How does that work out when you are having a dark day? Can you be made to feel comfortable enough at an audition to give of your best? Can you talk to your Director or Company Manager during rehearsals? Can you have a discussion about your struggles with your cast in a safe space? Can you take time off to attend essential therapy sessions that offer the support you need to do the job that deep down you know you can do?

These are all the questions we aim to answer with a positive and reassuring answer! We want to create a performance world where it is ok to say you haven’t slept well, you are struggling with self doubt and you need to talk through some things from the script that are triggering certain emotions within you!

Having had first hand experience of crippling anxiety and self deprecating thoughts and then working through them to build up a successful theatre company, I wanted to help fellow sufferers of depression and anxiety to take to the stage with confidence and self belief.

Last year an actor from one of my shows publicly stated on social media that working with J R Theatre had pulled her out of a very dark place and helped her get back on track with her performance career. Not only did she manage to deliver sensational performances for us to delight audiences, she found her self belief again and got herself a brand new agent!

This is an amazing story and I am delighted it is the case and that the work we did to help her was so gratefully received, but that’s just one person.

I want to be able to continue to do that for more people... That is where I need help financially. I want to use the extra money to hire rehearsal spaces for longer to allow flexible working hours for performers and time at the beginning and end of the days for essential discussions.

I want to have the budget to offer performers financial support when they need to travel between rehearsals and therapy sessions or doctors appointments.

I want to create a comfortable working environment for my performers with suitable refreshments and areas where relaxation or moments of privacy can be encouraged.

I want to be able to consult medical professionals who can offer support and guidance to cast members.

AND most of all I want to pay these gloriously brave people for the stunning performances that they will achieve having overcome all the hurdles that stood in their way.

Please help me to help all the industry professionals out their who are creative, talented, knowledgeable and passionate, but who have been dealt the annoyingly unfair hand of being lumbered with some form of mental health trouble.

Jess xx

J R Theatre - Creative Director