Students tackle mental health issues through ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ digital project (PHOTO: KOMO News)
SEATTLE – On Thursday, nearly 2,700 students watched a special performance of “Dear Evan Hansen,” a Broadway musical now playing at the Paramount in Seattle.
The matinee viewing marks the culmination of a digital project for students from 47 schools across the region.
Each student listened to the song, “You Will Be Found,” and created an art project (poem, song, artwork, etc.) through the program hosted by the Seattle Theatre Group.
“Our focus was to make sure that students would see the positive light in those moments that are perhaps hard moments for them, for their families, so this is a perfect way to help us connect and just inspire students,” said Marisol Sanchez Best with the Seattle Theatre Group.
The musical plot centers around a teen suicide and its implications to a high school community.
According to the Department of Health, suicide is the second leading cause of death in Washington for youth 10-24 years old and third leading cause of death nationally.
To take part in the program, school liaisons and counselors were required to attend a mandatory orientation/training on recognizing signs for suicide and how to engage in healthy conversations with students.
Students will livestream with members of the cast of “Dear Evan Hansen” on Jan. 28.
“Dear Evan Hansen” runs in Seattle through Feb. 2.
