Erasing the Distance

Erasing the Distance (ETD) is a nonprofit arts organization based in Chicago that uses the power of performance to disarm stigma, spark dialogue, educate, and promote healing surrounding issues of mental health. Founded in 2005 by Brighid O’Shaughnessy, ETD has reached over 60,000 audience members through three program areas brought to life by professional actors: 1) Public Productions – ETD stages shows for the general public at local venues throughout Chicago. Our productions - often world premieres - are based on true stories and shaped for the stage by professional theatre artists. 2) Custom Programs – bringing customized ETD performances to varied audiences in the Chicago area and beyond. All public and custom performances include post-show facilitated talkbacks with the audience. 3) Education/Training – offering workshops and training sessions designed to share the organization’s unique process of gathering, transcribing, and staging true stories of people impacted by mental health issues. The workshops and trainings are mostly geared to artists, students, mental health advocates, and current/future health professionals. All ETD activities are grounded in the organization’s core values: Compassion, Courageous Communication, Collaboration, Artistic and Operational Excellence, Financial Sustainability and Responsible Impact.