Theater as Therapy

Forget the Ginko Biloba, aromatherapy or the latest herbal panacea. Rebecca W. Atkins ('92) of Norwich, Conn., has found an even more unconventional way to help others with health issues -- the theater. Atkins serves adults diagnosed with psychiatric disorders through her job as director of the Second Step Players, a theater troupe and social rehabilitation program, which has been described (respectfully) as Saturday Night Livemeets One Flew Over a Cuckoo's Nest. And Atkins has received a distinguished Reader's Digest 2000 Fellowship from the Antioch New England Graduate School for her "exceptional contributions to the professional mental health field."

"Our goals with the theater troupe include educating the public and demystifying mental illnesses in order to reduce the stigma and stereotyping which happens to those who've been diagnosed," says Atkins. "We try to erase the line between 'them' and 'us.' Our staff members, along with the clients/players, write original material based on personal experiences in the mental health system. We perform comedy and drama routines that address issues affecting people with mental illnesses. With Second Step Players, our clients get something not offered in the rest of the mental health system -- contact with people who remember them as who they are, not what diagnosis they have."

Atkins first volunteered for the Second Step Players eight years ago. As a dance major, she was excited to share her knowledge with the troupe. But she had no idea that her volunteer work would lead to her current position as director. "Every day I get to work on creative projects with people who love not only the theater experience, but who also want to improve themselves," she says. "This supportive, noncompetitive way of participating in theater is very rewarding."

Atkins says she eventually wants to establish her own therapy practice, but will remain active with the Second Step Players. She has completed a two-year program in bioenergetics and body-centered Gestalt therapy at the Connecticut Center for Human Growth and Development and serves on the Community Education Committee of the Southeastern Mental Health Authority.

Atkins was nominated for the Reader's Digest Fellowship by colleagues and peers in Antioch's applied psychology department, where she is completing her master's in counseling psychology.

Story by Karen Boxley ('01)