Tree House Youth Theatre
THRIVE
Thrive is an innovative mental health program by Tree House Youth Theatre (THYT) designed to empower teens aged 13–17 who are experiencing anxiety and/or depression. Through theatre-based workshops, Thrive combines creative expression with evidence-based mental health strategies to help participants develop essential coping skills, emotional resilience, and self-confidence. Guided by skilled facilitators and mental health professionals, participants engage in improvisation, role-playing, and storytelling activities that promote mindfulness, emotional regulation, and self-expression within a supportive and collaborative environment.
​
In addition to building their own skills, participants design and deliver theatre-based mental health workshops that they will tour and present for elementary school students, introducing younger audiences to accessible tools for managing emotions and building resilience. This unique initiative fosters leadership, advocacy, and a sense of purpose among the teens, while creating a lasting impact in the wider community.
​
With strong support from partners like the Red Deer Primary Care Network, Move Your Mood Studio, Red Deer YMCA, and Red Deer Polytechnic, Thrive is more than just a program—it’s a movement to reduce stigma around mental health and equip young people with the tools to thrive. By fostering connection, creativity, and confidence, Thrive ensures that teens in central Alberta and beyond can navigate life’s challenges with strength and resilience.
Mission
To empower teens aged 13–17 with emotional resilience, self-confidence, and coping skills through theatre-based workshops that promote mental health awareness and advocacy.
Vision
To create a future where all teens feel supported, resilient, and empowered to lead healthier lives through the transformative power of theatre and mental health education.
THRIVE Overview
Thrive is a transformative theatre-based mental health program designed for central Alberta teens aged 13–17, running from September to June, and split into two-terms (Sept-Jan/Feb-June). A total of 80-teens per season (40-per term) will be able to participate in Thrive. Teens will be referred to Thrive by mental health professionals, school counsellors, and doctors. There will not be a registration fee for participants of the program. Thrive combines theatre exercises, mindfulness practices, and peer-led initiatives to equip participants with essential tools to manage anxiety and depression, while fostering emotional resilience and a sense of community.
​
Workshops take place once weekly and are structured to gradually build participants’ confidence, coping skills, and self-expression. The sessions include improvisation, storytelling, and role-playing, offering teens a supportive and creative environment to explore and process emotions. We will be utilizing the Red Deer Primary Care Network (RDPCN) Anxiety to Calm and Youth Pathways to Happiness curriculum, with support from RDPCN with curriculum development, and training. We will meet at the Move Your Mood Studio and Red Deer YMCA for our weekly sessions, with space generously donated by both organizations.
​
The program, each term, will transition into a community engagement phase, where participants create, design, and deliver theatre-based workshops to elementary school students throughout central Alberta. This peer-led initiative reinforces their learning while promoting mental health awareness to younger audiences.
With the guidance of skilled facilitators and mental health professionals, Thrive provides a safe and inclusive space for teens to grow, connect, and advocate for mental health in their schools and communities.
​
Our program will be evaluated by the Red Deer Polytechnic Psych Department to ensure we are always leading the way in supporting youth mental health.
We Need Your Support
Help Us Make a Difference
To keep Thrive accessible and free for all participants, we rely on the generous support of the Central Alberta community. By sponsoring this program, your organization can play a vital role in empowering teens to build resilience, develop coping skills, and foster mental wellness. Join us in creating a brighter future for youth in Central Alberta—your support truly changes lives.
​
If your organization, or company would like to support Thrive please email us at info@treehouseyouththeatre.ca
THRIVE
Partners
