We are Am I Actually Living?!? creating performance-based work for schools, focused on young people's mental health. Our work combines theatre, movement, puppetry and spoken word with RSE curriculum guidelines to create engaging and meaningful experiences for students.
Our aim:
This projects is designed to help young people feel seen, understood and less alone in what they may be going through. It reflects real experiences of mental health in adolescence in a way that is honest, relatable and emotionally accessible, helping students recognise that they are very rarely alone in how they are feeling. At its core, our work aims to open up difficult conversations and break down some of the stigma, encouraging greater understanding between young people and those around them. Through performance and workshops, we offer moments of connection, reflection and hope - showing that even in challenging times, there are reasons to keep going. Our workshops focus on real, practical coping strategies and encouraging looking at things through a different light.
Overall, our aim is simple: to create impact to as many people as possible through honesty, connection, and hope and to support schools and settings in strengthening the conversations they are already having around mental health and well-being.
How the show came about:
This project was developed from personal experiences within school and wider support systems, where I struggled at times to access the right help and often felt moved between services without clear understanding or continuity.
It also reflects moments of feeling isolated, even when surrounded by friends, and finding it difficult to express emotions in a safe and supported way.
Alongside this, I became aware of similar experiences affecting others around me, which reinforced the need for more open and relatable conversations around mental health.
A key part of my journey has been dance, which became an important personal outlet and a way of processing emotions when words were not enough.
This work aims to share these experiences honestly and constructively, in a way that resonates with young people and supports the conversations schools are already having around wellbeing.
The Team:
Charlotte
Director
Performer
Workshop facilitator
Safeguarding lead
Charlotte
Grace
Perfomer
Workshop facilitator
Grace
Lauren
Performer
Workshop facilitator
Lauren
Reuben
Technician
Workshop facilitator
Deputy safeguarding lead