02/05/2026
Join us Feb 18th for a FREE dinner and a show regarding mental health. Call us with any questions.
ACCLAIMED THEATRE AND PUBLIC DIALOGUE TOUR RETURNS TO CONRAD
After a great visit in September 2024, the University of Montana’s State of Mind project will return to Conrad on February 18th-19th and again March 2nd-6th.
Created by UM’s Co-Lab for Civic Imagination in partnership with Montana Repertory Theater, the interactive theater and public dialogue event is part of a statewide effort to advance community listening, tackle stigmas around mental and behavioral health, and share community resources for advancing care.
State of Mind’s visit to Conrad in 2024 generated great conversations and energy around working together to continue building a healthy community for youth and adults alike.
“We’re excited to welcome them back for a second time,” said Steve Baliko, head of the Pondera Mental Health Advisory Board. "Their commitment to supporting our schools and the wider Pondera County with Mental Health awareness is quality through and through.”
On February 18th-19th they’ll return with their original touring project for an encore visit. Two weeks later, March 2nd-6th, they’ll be back with a brand new, week-long program where they’ll work with every high school student through their English classes. The program will address speaking and listening standards through a focus on supporting one another and strengthening the school community.
Raymond DeBruycker, principal at Conrad High is enthusiastic about their return. “State of Mind truly stands out as one of the best conversations I’ve had with both students and staff. Since their 2024 visit, our staff have been working with the student council to implement practical, sustainable changes that support both student well-being and school operations.”
“What makes this effort successful is that the content of the project has been created through collaboration with community members with lived experiences, local experts and area knowledge,” said Michael Rohd, the director of UM’s Co-Lab for Civic Imagination.
Steve Baliko echoed that, stating, “The great thing about this work is that, not only have they helped us reduce Mental Health stigma; but, we’ve been able to help their team learn and grow the scope of what they’re doing all around Montana."
Since its launch in 2024, the tour has visited over 30 Montana communities in coordination with over 70 community partners. Over 3,000 Montanans have participated in State of Mind, which generates excitement everywhere it visits.
“The performance successfully deconstructs Montana’s overwhelming mental health crisis into manageable pieces that are accessible and actionable,” said Miranda Zent, a prevention specialist in Dillon. “State of Mind gives us the experience of watching a story that’s playing out in our own lives – one that we’re all participating in – and we’re writing how it ends together.”
The Conrad performance will take place on Wednesday, February 18th at Norley Hall, 400 N Virginia St, Conrad, MT 59425. Doors open at 5:30 for free dinner and dessert (while it lasts) and the performance will begin at 6:30pm. There will be exciting door prizes including AirPods, JBL speakers, a Blackstone portable griddle, a chance to win a whole year family pass to Conrad sports and many more (must be present to win)!
The following morning on February 19th at 10am at Prairie View School there will be a community coffee meeting where people can gather to reflect on the workshops and performances, and to discuss potential action around mental health in Conrad.
For more information about State of Mind and the people involved, visit: https://www.umcivicimagination.com/
CONTACT Conrad’s event organizers:
Steve Baliko, Pondera County Mental Health Advisory Board - stevebaliko@protonmail.com
Raymond DeBruycker, Principal, Conrad H.S. - raymond.debruycker@conradschools.org
CONTACT State of Mind:
Josh Aaseng, Producer of Community Partnerships - josh.aaseng@umt.edu
Michael Rohd, Director - michael.rohd@umt.edu
