A: An Emotional Theatre Immersive

Welcome to the world of A. Meet the cast and creative team, discover the heart behind this immersive experience, and explore the journey that transforms strangers into a shared human story. This digital playbill is your guide.

A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR

I want to truly thank you for being here and taking part in the world of “A: An Emotional Immersive” Your presence means more than you know. This performance, this movement, this message — it exists because of people like you who show up and care.

Fifteen years. That’s how long it’s taken for “A” to become what you see tonight — after countless changes in name, tone, and form. This version exists to educate, connect, and break the stigma around mental health and addiction. Fifteen years ago, I didn’t understand self-care. Like Ryan, I was a people pleaser, chasing approval to fill a void. I hurt people who cared for me and turned to alcohol and sex - just to feel something. I mistook the absence of love as proof I didn’t deserve it.

There’s a piece of real experience in every character you’ll meet tonight. Scenes 10 and 11 are inspired by two very real moments in my life, and the heartbeat of the scene is captured by using the words of my own suicide notes that I wrote in fall 2013 and winter 2018. Those words now live between two characters, because I believe there’s a little of each of them in all of us. Hearing them nightly reminds me I’ve learned to face my past, to live in the present, and look forward to the future. You see, on both occasions, I called one of my best friends — my Brother in Christ — someone I rarely reach. Somehow, both times, he answered. I called to say goodbye, but instead he simply told me, “Strength doesn’t come from winning. Your struggles develop your strength”. To this day, I never admitted to him my real intent with these calls. To anyone I hurt during my darker times — I’m sorry. While it doesn’t excuse anything, it’s part of my healing to acknowledge it openly.

I’ve fallen far enough to know I don't want to get near rock bottom ever again. My wife, who I met in January of 2018, shows me nothing but agape love, and unlimited patience, both contributing factors why I’m here and able to write this Director’s note to you. And that’s why tonight, I ask to please scan or click the QR code below and help keep this movement alive. Not just for this show, but for the lives it might reach next.

After more than 15 years, I finally have a dream again — a big one. I want “A” to matter. To reach those who think they’re alone and remind them they’re not. To help people manage their “A’s” before their “A’s” manage them. Because when we stay connected — when we really listen — we rise. Together. So one last time: Scan. Donate. Share. Help us keep the movement of “A” going — one story, one voice, one act of courage at a time.

With ultimate gratitude,

THE STORY OF A

coming soon!

EXPLORE THE TIMELINE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

NOELLE CASTRO as Michelle

Noelle Castro is a founding member of the “A” immersive, and a member of the Rise Above Performing Artists. Noelle is a Actor/Artist who works in many mediums, her favorite being live theater. She has performed at San Francisco City Hall, Malcolm X Jazz Festival in Oakland, as well as various other productions in Northern California. She is a member of Belonging Resident Company, as well as Skywatchers, which are both performing arts collectives. She feels strongly that art heals. The creator and the one experiencing it. Noelle is a habitual line stepper. Between worlds, ideologies, and systems and uses the art of story to convey her lived truth. That the only definition that really matters is the one you give yourself.