Press
May 13, 2019 ​| WKOW ABC News
UpStage Stigma Lets Local Artists Tell Stories of Mental Illness and Emotional Struggle
"By bringing to light the struggles that we, our loved ones, and our fellow community members face, UpStage Stigma decreases the shame around mental illness."
January 1, 2019 ​| BRAVA Magazine 2019 Women to Watch - Hywania Thompson
Emily Erwin-Frank: Removing The Shame From Mental Illness
“'Emily’s creative vision for this event, as well as her courage and commitment to bringing this event to life, is an inspiring example of the magic we can create when we combine activism, art and love'."
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May 15, 2018 ​| The Capital Times - Erik Lorenzson
From poetry to metal, Upstage Stigma will start conversations about mental illness
"A prominent goal of the event, organizers say, is not just to create a stigma-free space onstage for performers. It's also to dismantle that stigma in a broader context."
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May 14, 2018 ​| The Cap City Hues - Karl Locher
http://www.capitalcityhues.com/051418FightingStigma.html
"The stigma of mental illness is as mutable as mental illness itself, an invisible mark with terrible power. It acts as a perversion of privilege, bringing shame and undeserved consequences upon those who fit its profile."
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May 10, 2018 ​| Isthmus - Allison Geyer
Healing in the Spotlight
"She says being part of the showcase and spending time with other performers has already had a positive impact. 'It’s really healing,' she says, 'to be in a place where people understand.'"
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May 9, 2018 ​| Live video on the UW-Madison School of Social Work Facebook Page
UpStage Stigma takes place on May 19!
"This was such a great event last year, and I can't wait to see what's in store this year!"
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May 8, 2018 ​| 94.9 WOLX - Terri Barr
LISTEN: Advocating for #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth through Art. Teri talks to Emily and Amber about making a difference in a special way
"Two area women are working hard to make a difference through an event called 'Upstage Stigma.' The show focuses on various art forms as a way to share each performers experience with mental health."
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May 18, 2017 ​| Channel 3000 - Dannika Lewis
TFK Time To Talk: Performers "Upstage Stigma" of mental illness
"Talking about something you or someone you know is struggling with doesn't make for a fun or easy conversation, but there are other ways to open up about mental illness that can show that we're all more alike than not."
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