Go Beyond the Show - Next to Normal

Additional programming for Next to Normal is offered for the community to "Go Beyond the Show." Programs include community conversations about the show’s themes and content lead by UNMC health experts and the cast and crew of the show.

Science Café: The Science of Bipolar Disorder
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 7 p.m.
The Slowdown

The University of Nebraska Medical Center is sponsoring Next to Normal.

Steven Wengel, M.D., a geriatric psychiatrist and professor and chair of the department of psychiatry at UNMC, will discuss symptoms, treatment and coping with bipolar disorder. The event is free and open to the public.

Post-show Discussions
At the Omaha Community Playhouse following the production. Free with the purchase of a ticket.
Join mental health experts coordinated through UNMC to discuss the themes of Next to Normal and learn more about bipolar disorder and mental health.

Sunday, February 16, 2014
Discussion lead by Rachel Labaton and Kristi Barth.

Rachel S. Labaton currently holds a doctorate in clinical psychology with a specialization in child and adolescent clinical/pediatric psychology. She has worked with diverse populations with conditions such as behavioral disorders, severe mental illness, learning disabilities, chronic health conditions, traumatic brain injury, neurological disorders and developmental and intellectual disabilities. She enjoys working with children and adolescents in underserved areas and reaching out to the communities she serves.

Kristi Barth is a mom of a son diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder. She has a passion for educating people on the struggles that go along with teens having a mental illness and dispelling the stigmas attached.

Sunday, March 2, 2014
Discussion lead by Dr. Howard Liu.
Dr. Howard Liu is an assistant professor in the department of Psychiatry at UNMC. Dr. Liu maintains an outpatient practice treating children and adolescents with mood disorders, anxiety disorders and ADHD. He is a frequent commentator on media programs regarding issues in child and adolescent mental health.

Talk Back with Cast and Crew
Friday, February 21, 2014
Cast and crew lead a discussion about the show and their experiences producing it. Talk Backs begin five minutes after the performance.