TIMB-SYWTProdShow-2023-v3

SO YOU WANT TO
PRODUCE A SHOW
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave

DEAR FRIEND,
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR INTEREST IN PRODUCING A SHOW!
What a journey it has been since This Is My Brave produced its very first show in Arlington, Virginia, in 2014. We could
not have imagined at that time that we would go on to produce over 90 more shows over the next nine years, in
over 50 cities across the U.S. and in Australia. Story by story, This Is My Brave is shining a light on mental illness and
addiction and helping end the stigma that has so long surrounded these issues.
No one could have ever imagined what 2020 had in store for us. To say it was an extremely difficult year would be an
understatement. On the other hand, 2020 presented us with an unexpected gift of time. We used this time to reflect
as an organization on where we’ve been and on where we’d like to be in the future.
Our mission at This Is My Brave has always been to empower individuals to put their names and their faces to their
personal stories of recovery from mental illness and addiction. In 2020, we asked ourselves, “Are we doing enough to
carry out this mission or is there a way to do it better?” The answer was clear -- we can do better! We still have so
much work to do to change the way the world understands and talks about mental illness.
In the past nine years, This Is My Brave has produced, on average, 10 shows per year. We realize now, to have the
impact we desire, we need to dramatically increase the number of shows in production across the country so that
many more people have the spotlight to share their stories and give hope to others. Imagine how great our impact
will be when we double or triple our annual production! This will give new meaning to one of our favorite sayings,
“Brave multiplies Brave.”
To accomplish this new goal of scaling up, we turn to dedicated volunteers like you to
share our message and start a Brave movement in your area. In partnership, This Is
My Brave, Inc. will equip you with everything you and your team need to create a
successful Brave event -- and Brave community -- in your city.
Every time a story is told — every time we shine a light on mental illness
and addiction — we let someone know that they are not alone. This Is My
Brave offers the gift of hope and a sense of community based on shared
experiences to people who need it most.
There are millions more stories to be shared, and we hope that some
of them will be shared in your city. This booklet provides you with an
overview to getting started. Thank you for your interest in joining us
on this journey.
Sincerely,
Erin Gallagher,
Executive Director
2

What Is This Is My Brave?
This Is My Brave is a movement that empowers individuals to put their names
and their faces to their true stories of recovery from mental illness and/
or addiction. We do this through live storytelling events in cities across the
country called This Is My Brave - The Show. Each production of This Is My Brave
- The Show features its own cast of local individuals who tell their stories in
a creative way -- through personal essay, spoken word poetry, original song,
maybe even stand-up comedy or dance.
No two productions of This Is My Brave - The Show have ever been the same
in terms of cast members and stories shared. Despite their differences, our
research indicates that, overall, our shows are impactful in our mission to
reduce stigma associated with mental illness and addiction.
The Brave Way
To multiply our impact, This Is My Brave, Inc. has developed a training system called
the Brave Way in order to equip more teams across the country to do Brave work in
their communities. The Brave Way is our unique method for re-creating the magical
experience of our very first Brave show in Arlington, Virginia, in 2014.
The Brave Way includes step-by-step guidance in every detail of producing a Brave show,
from production team development to community-building to event planning.
The Brave Way also offers an in-depth orientation to the transformative
principles and practices that make This Is My Brave - The Show
a one-of-a-kind mental health storytelling event.
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave
3

04
Table of Contents
From Idea to BRAVE Show Timeline
06 Phases of Production Live Show
07 Phases of Production Virtual Show
04 Importance of a Team
08 Job Description: Production Team Lead
10 Job Description: Fundraising Manager
11 Job Description: PR/Marketing Coordinator
12 Job Description: Media Partnership Manager
14 Job Description: Mental Health Professional
15 Job Description: Fidelity Partner
16 Job Description: Show Director
18 Pillars of TIMB Theory of Change
24 So You Want to Produce a Show
From Idea to BRAVE Show
1
Pre-Training Period
• Build Brave Buzz
• Build Brave Team
• Enlist Sponsors and
Community Support
8-10 months pre-show
4

2
• Training
Training of Production Team
• Team-building Event
• Team Pledges
3
Brave Show Production
• Auditions
• Rehearsals
• Show Logistics
4
6-7 months pre-show 5 months pre-show YOUR SHOW
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave
5

Phases of Production - Live Show:
Pre-Training (flexible)
Review “So You Want to Produce a Show”
Form Production Team
Finalize Show Details
Size/Scale of Show
Designate Fiscal Partner/Community Beneficiary
Secure License/Training Fee
Identify Additional Sponsors (it’s good to have at least $5000 at this point)
Book Theater
Training (4-5 weeks)
Gather Production Team Members for team-building event
Meet Weekly as a team for online modular training
Create Show Production Timeline
Book venues for show, audition and rehearsals
Production (4 months)
Hold Auditions
Conduct Rehearsals
Sell Sponsorships, Advertising and Tickets
Encourage P2P Fundraising among cast
Host your Brave Show
6

Phases of Production - Virtual Show:
Pre-Training (flexible)
Review “So You Want to Produce a Show”
Form Production Team
Finalize Show Details
Size/Scale of Show
Designate Fiscal Partner/Community Beneficiary
Secure License/Training Fee
Identify Additional Sponsors (it’s good to have at least $5000 at this point)
Training (4-5 weeks)
Gather Production Team Members for team-building event
Meet Weekly as a team for online modular training
Create Show Production Timeline
Production (4 months)
Hold Auditions
Conduct Rehearsals
Record Performances
Compile Show Video
Sell Sponsorships, Advertising and Tickets
Encourage P2P Fundraising among cast
Host your Virtual Brave Show
Ask about our Hybrid Production option!
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave
7

Importance of a Team
A strong team of at least seven individuals (including one Mental
Health Professional) is required to bring This Is My Brave - The Show
to your city. Use the job descriptions that are listed in the following
pages to identify well-qualified and committed candidates to
complete your team.
It is important to note that you should build your team with
individuals from varying networks in your area. This way, you will
maximize your reach in your community as a team and be able to
draw prospective cast members, sponsors, supporters and ticket
buyers from those groups.
8

“This Is My Brave was one of the most moving
and inspirational experiences I’ve ever had.
It reminded me that mental illness doesn’t
discriminate... it affects all people, everywhere.“
Thana Pavelic, 2018 NYC Storyteller
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave
9

Production Team Lead
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Production Team Lead directs the efforts of the production team for This Is My Brave - The Show in
your city, overseeing team recruitment, team meetings, team progress, and team tasks and timelines.
Term limit is usually two years.
Qualifications:
• Commitment to the mission of This Is My Brave, Inc.
• Commitment to the pillars of This Is My Brave, Inc.’s Theory of Change
• Knowledge of the local community
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Strong time management skills
• Completed Training
Responsibilities:
At all times:
Uphold our Brave Pillars - the non-negotiables that are necessary to produce the desired outcomes
of This Is My Brave (you will learn about these in training)
• It is alot to stand up and be Brave! Those who choose to do so must be affirmed and supported
at all times by our volunteer production team.
Build Brave buzz
• To honor the work of our storytellers, the production team must spread the word about the
show. The Brave efforts of our storytellers cannot go unnoticed! As a member of the production
team, you have the important responsibility of building Brave buzz within your community. Let
everyone you meet know about this event! Do it for the storytellers!
In addition:
• Review So You Want to Produce a Show.
• Recruit Production Team members whose skill sets align with the job descriptions.
• Host Production Team team-building event.
• Coordinate Production Team Training.
• Complete all Production Team Training Modules as provided by This Is My Brave, Inc.
• Collect Production Team agreements and “pledges” and file on This Is My Brave, Inc google drive.
• Facilitate weekly/bi-weekly This Is My Brave [your city] Production Team meetings
10

• Together with Production team:
• Identify local Fiscal Partner
• Determine monetary goals for the event, including
• Sponsorship targets
• Ticket Sale targets
• Playbill Advertising targets
• Establish event date and time (in consideration of the Recommended timeline included in this document)
• Agree to the Timeline of Tasks (see master spreadsheet)
• Schedule This Is My Brave [your city] Production Team meetings on a weekly/bi-weekly basis
• Guide the This Is My Brave [your city] Production Team in accomplishing goals and objectives.
• Monitor progress of the Production Team to ensure show and fundraising tasks are completed.
• Act as event spokesperson where needed.
• Write correspondence, including event thank you notes as needed.
• Help with team recruitment, sponsorship, and other big decisions where needed.
• Hold wrap-up meeting for This Is My Brave [your city] Production Team following the event.
Support Provided:
• This Is My Brave Academy Modular Training, This Is My Brave Handbook, resources and branded material
in This Is My Brave, Inc. google drive and on-call support of This Is My Brave, Inc. Program Manager
Estimated Time Commitment:
• 5-10 hours per week for approximately 6 months
10-hour Training
Orientation that is Inspirational and Motivational
Our training will orient you toward our overarching Brave themes, the non-negotiables
that must be in place for this project to achieve our intended goals.
Weekly Meetings
Structured for collaboration, goal-setting and accountability
Personal Time • Complete tasks associated with your position
• Follow through on action items that may arise from weekly meetings
• Meet one-on-one with others on the production team to collaborate on specific goals
• Spread the word about Brave among your network to build awareness and generate
support for and about the event
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave
11

Fundraising Manager
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Fundraising Manager directs the efforts of the fundraising team for This Is My Brave - The Show in your
city, overseeing the efforts to generate Sponsorships, Advertising Revenue, P2P Funds and Ticket Sales.
Term limit is usually two years.
Qualifications:
• Commitment to the mission of This Is My Brave, Inc.
• Commitment to the pillars of This Is My Brave, Inc.’s Theory of Change
• Knowledge of the local community
• Strong connections within the community
• A background in sales or fundraising is preferred
• Completed Training
At all times:
Uphold our Brave Pillars - the non-negotiables that are necessary to produce the desired
outcomes of This Is My Brave
• It is alot to stand up and be Brave! Those who choose to do so must be affirmed and supported
at all times by our volunteer production team.
Build Brave buzz
• To honor the work of our storytellers, the production team must spread the word about the
show. The Brave efforts of our storytellers cannot go unnoticed! As a member of the production
team, you have the important responsibility of building Brave buzz within your community. Let
everyone you meet know about this event! Do it for the storytellers!
In addition:
• Identify, recruit and secure This Is My Brave [your city] sponsorships, advertising, P2P funds and
ticket sales that achieve the monetary goals established by the team.
• Review So You Want to Produce a Show.
• Recruit Fundraising Team members whose skill sets align with this job description (could build a team
as large as 3-4 people in order to spearhead efforts in each fundraising area)
• Attend Production Team team-building event.
• Complete all Production Team Training Modules as provided by This Is My Brave, Inc.
• Complete Production Team agreements and “pledge”
• Monitor the progress of the Fundraising team to ensure fundraising tasks are completed and that
progress towards fundraising goals is being made
• Coordinate a regrouping of efforts should fundraising targets begin to slide
• Attend Weekly/Bi-Weekly Production Team meetings
• Facilitate (at least once during Productions, in coordination with other Team members) This Is My
Brave [your city] Production Team meetings
Estimated Time Commitment:
• 5-10 hours per week -- see chart in producer description on page 11
12

PR/Marketing Coordinator
The PR and Marketing Coordinator is responsible for the promotions of the This Is My Brave - The Show within
your city and surrounding communities. This encompasses news --TV, Radio and Print -- social media and
(when appropriate) distribution of printed promotional materials including posters/postcards/flyers
Term limit is usually two years.
Qualifications:
• Commitment to the mission of This Is My Brave, Inc.
• Commitment to the pillars of This Is My Brave, Inc.’s Theory of Change
• Knowledge of the local community
• Strong connections with news people and social influencers
• A background in PR or marketing is preferred
• Completed Training
At all times:
Uphold our Brave Pillars - the non-negotiables that are necessary to produce the desired
outcomes of This Is My Brave
• It is alot to stand up and be Brave! Those who choose to do so must be affirmed and supported at all
times by our volunteer production team.
Build Brave buzz
• To honor the work of our storytellers, the production team must spread the word about the show.
The Brave efforts of our storytellers cannot go unnoticed! As a member of the production team,
you have the important responsibility of building Brave buzz within your community. Let everyone
you meet know about this event! Do it for the storytellers!
In addition:
• Review So You Want to Produce a Show.
• Identify and target various news, radio and digital outlets for coverage of This Is My Brave [your city]
• (optional) Recruit PR/Marketing team members whose skill sets align with this job description
• Promo Material Coordinator - Will coordinate the design and distribution of Audition and Ticket Flyers
• Attend Production Team team-building event.
• Complete all Production Team Training Modules as provided by This Is My Brave, Inc.
• Complete Production Team agreements and “pledge”
• Ensure that PR/Marketing efforts is working to achieve the stated goals
• Coordinate with the Producer on a regrouping of efforts should
PR/Marketing targets begin to slide
• Attend Weekly/Bi-Weekly Production Team meetings
• Facilitate (at least once during Productions, in coordination with other
Team members) This Is My Brave [your city] Production Team meetings
Estimated Time Commitment:
• 5-10 hours per week -- see chart in producer description on page 11
JOB DESCRIPTION
Tips: Make invitations to local VIPS -
mayor, city council members or members
of local government (board of supervisors,
for example), reps from community
foundations with an interest in mental
health, hospital orgs, mental health
facilities / large practices
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave
13

Media Partnership Manager
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Media Partnership Manager is responsible for making connections with Media Partners in the
community. Media Partners agree to promote This Is My Brave - The Show in their circles in exchange
for similar promotions of their events among ours.
Example Media Partners to consider:
• Local NAMI (Nat’l Alliance of Mental Illness) Chapter
• Local AFSP (American Foundation of Suicide Prevention) Chapter
• Hospital Centers
• Large Mental Health Service Practices / Facilities
Benefits of to Media Partners:
• Tabling opportunity at our event
• Mention in our materials - Playbill, and digital versions of the show,
social media mentions by This Is My Brave, Inc.
Qualifications:
• Commitment to the mission of This Is My Brave, Inc.
• Commitment to the pillars of This Is My Brave, Inc.’s Theory of Change
• Knowledge of the local community
• Strong connections with news people and social influencers
• A background in PR or marketing is preferred
• Completed Training
At all times:
Uphold our Brave Pillars - the non-negotiables that are necessary to produce the desired
outcomes of This Is My Brave
• It is alot to stand up and be Brave! Those who choose to do so must be affirmed and supported
at all times by our volunteer production team.
Build Brave buzz
• To honor the work of our storytellers, the production team must spread the wordabout the
show. The Brave efforts of our storytellers cannot go unnoticed! As a member of the production
team, you have the important responsibility of building Brave buzz within your community. Let
everyone you meet know about this event! Do it for the storytellers!
14

In addition:
• Review So You Want to Produce a Show.
• Identify and target various Media Partners for coverage of This Is My Brave [your city]
• (optional) Recruit Media Partner team members whose skill sets align with this job description
• Attend Production Team team-building event.
• Complete all Production Team Training Modules as provided by This Is My Brave, Inc.
• Complete Production Team agreements and “pledge”
• Ensure that Media Partnership efforts are working to achieve the stated goals
• Coordinate with the Producer on a regrouping of efforts should Media Partnership targets begin to slide
• Attend Weekly/Bi-Weekly Production Team meetings
• Facilitate (at least once during Productions, in coordination with other Team members) This Is My Brave
[your city] Production Team meetings
Estimated Time Commitment:
• 5-10 hours a week
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave
15

Mental Health Professional
JOB DESCRIPTION
This Is My Brave recognizes that storytelling related to mental health and/or addiction,
while empowering, may produce a strong emotional response in the storyteller or the
listener. The Production team’s Mental Health Professional is present at all meetings and
cast gatherings to support individuals who may feel overcome by their Brave experience.
Qualifications:
• Commitment to the mission of This Is My Brave, Inc.
• Commitment to the pillars of This Is My Brave, Inc.’s Theory of Change
• Professional licensure
• Ability to be in attendance at all cast events, show and production team meetings
• Completed Training
Responsibilities:
• Review So You Want to Produce a Show.
• Attend Production Team team-building event.
• Complete all Production Team Training Modules as provided by This Is My Brave, Inc.
• Complete Production Team agreements and “pledge”
• Attend Weekly/Bi-Weekly Production Team meetings
• Attend all cast events and be prepared to support individuals who may be struggling
Estimated Time Commitment:
• Up to 5 hours per week
16

Fidelity Coordinator
The role of the Fidelity Coordinator is to work closely with the Production Team Lead to ensure that
This Is My Brave, Inc.’s non-negotiables (the 5 pillars of the TOC) are being upheld by the production
team. To verify, you will check in with the Production team and cast members throughout the
production of the show via survey to ensure that they are experiencing those elements.
In addition the Fidelity Coordinator ensures proper use of branded material and adherence by
all to event specifications.
Qualifications:
• Commitment to the mission of This Is My Brave, Inc.
• Commitment to the pillars of This Is My Brave, Inc.’s Theory of Change
• Attention to Detail
• Strong Communication skills
At all times:
Uphold our Brave Pillars - the non-negotiables that are necessary to produce the desired
outcomes of This Is My Brave
• It is alot to stand up and be Brave! Those who choose to do so must be affirmed
and supported at all times by our volunteer production team.
Build Brave buzz
• To honor the work of our storytellers, the production team must spread the word about
the show. The Brave efforts of our storytellers cannot go unnoticed! As a member of the
production team, you have the important responsibility of building Brave buzz within your
community. Let everyone you meet know about this event! Do it for the storytellers!
In addition:
• Review So You Want to Produce a Show.
• Attend Production Team team-building event.
• Complete all Production Team Training Modules as provided by This Is My Brave, Inc.
• Complete Production Team agreements and “pledge”
• Attend Weekly/Bi-Weekly Production Team meetings
• Attend all cast events
• Survey Production team and cast members about their experiences before,
during and after the production process
• Oversee application of all branded Brave material in accordance with This Is My Brave, Inc.
Branding Guidelines
• Ensure adherence to all This Is My Brave, Inc. event specifications as outlined in the Team Handbook
Estimated Time Commitment:
• Up to 5 hours per week
JOB DESCRIPTION
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave
17

Show Director
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Show Director is responsible for all aspects of the show itself. The Show Director will work
closely with the Team lead to ensure the highest quality production of This Is My Brave - The Show.
Qualifications:
• Commitment to the mission of This Is My Brave, Inc.
• Commitment to the pillars of This Is My Brave, Inc.’s Theory of Change
• Experience in producing/directing live performances
In Addition:
• Coordinate with the Team Lead to schedule and direct auditions and rehearsals,
• Individually coach cast members or assign other Production Team members as mentors to
coach them
• Work with cast members to refine their stories, such as, editing to meet time requirements,
improving the story’s focus, etc. or supervise mentors to execute these tasks
• Work directly with the theater to ensure that technical services such as sound, lighting,
and staging are in place to support the show
Estimated Time Commitment:
• Up to 5 hours per week initially, but closer to 10 hours per week nearing show date
18

“It’s been so empowering
to be more vocal about my
struggles, and to know that
I’m empowering others, too.”
Gianna Santoro, This Is My Brave Philadelphia 2018
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave
19

THEORY OF CHANGE
What has to happen for our program to achieve its goals?
Social &
Psychological
Empowerment
Affirmation
Ready to tell their
story of living
with mental illness
and/or addiction.
Reciprocity
Implementers
commit to these
pillars to make
desired outcomes
possible.*
Opportunity for
Transformation
Authentic
Relationships
* We verify the team's fidelity to these
principles by surveying stakeholders.
20

Reduced selfstigma
and shame
Increased
Confidence
A strong sense
of purpose
Strong sense
of community
and support
Feeling Valued
“So sharing our stories really does inspire and
encourage others. It really does give hope
to the hopeless, And it really does save lives.
My life was spared that day I tried to end it…
but my spirit was restored the day I took the
Brave stage. My heart is forever grateful.”
Danielle Fiorello, This Is My Brave NYC 2015 Cast Member
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave
21

So You Want to Produce a Show
What is This Is My Brave?
This Is My Brave is a movement that empowers individuals to put their names and their faces to their true stories
of recovery from mental illness and/or addiction. We do this through live storytelling events in cities across the
country called This Is My Brave - The Show. Each production of This Is My Brave - The Show features its own cast
of local individuals who tell their stories in a creative way -- through personal essay, spoken word poetry, original
song, maybe even stand-up comedy or dance.
No two productions of This Is My Brave - The Show have ever been the same in terms of cast members and
stories shared. Yet, despite their differences, our research indicates that, overall, our shows consistently yield
desired outcomes of increased feelings of empowerment and a strong sense of community. Both of these
outcomes are important steps towards stigma reduction.
Are the Storytellers for This Is My Brave - The Show actors?
Cast members for This Is My Brave - The Show are invited to share their own true stories of recovery from
mental illness and/or addiction. Our Storytellers (also called Cast Members) are NOT actors. They are members
of your local community who are ready to speak openly about their experiences.
How are Storytellers recruited for This Is My Brave - The Show?
Local production teams for This Is My Brave - The Show put out a casting call for Storytellers. Auditions are
announced in the community via social media, press releases, flyers placed on local bulletin boards and
through word of mouth.
How do we bring a production of This Is My Brave - The Show to my town?
Gather a production team that is committed to mental health awareness and reducing stigma associated with
mental illness and substance use disorder. Talk to sponsors in your local community to generate support for
the event including a License, Training and Support Fee to This Is My Brave, Inc. Then begin training on This Is
My Brave, Inc.’s model for event production, called The Brave Way.
22

What Is The Brave Way?
This Is My Brave, Inc. has developed a system called the Brave Way in order to equip more teams across the
country to do Brave work in their communities. The Brave Way is our unique method for re-creating the magical
experience of our very first Brave show in Arlington, Virginia, in 2014. The Brave Way includes step-by-step
guidance in every detail of producing a Brave show, from production team development to community-building
to event planning. The Brave Way also offers an in-depth orientation to the transformative principles and
practices that make This Is My Brave - The Show a one-of-a-kind mental health storytelling event.
Who identifies people who can serve as Production team members?
The Production Team Lead traditionally determines who serves as a team member. This Is My Brave provides
a Production team member application that can be used, and all team members are required to sign a project
commitment agreement before the launch of training.
How do I recruit for the This Is My Brave Production team?
This Is My Brave, Inc. recommends that a production team be made up of passionate, well-connected and
committed individuals who are from a variety of networks within the community. This will allow for the widest
dissemination of information about the event and generate the strongest possible participation and support.
I’m ready to bring This Is My Brave - The Show to my area. How do I begin?
We are so excited that you want to be a part of the This Is My Brave movement.
Please contact This is My Brave Director of Programming, Katie Grana at katiegrana@thisismybrave.org
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave
23

www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave