News: 5th Annual Community Conversation at Downtown Live to Feature 1 Degree of Separation

Bristol, CT – [November 27, 2023] The City of Bristol’s Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services Department (BPRYCS) is excited to invite community members to Downtown Live at the Rockwell Theater for the 5^th Annual Community Conversation: 1 Degree of Separation. Guests can attend free of charge and may reserve a seat of their choice by visiting BristolRec.com.   

Please join us for this free event, featuring the touring comedy group, 1 Degree of Separation, a comedy show aimed at ending the stigma of mental illness.  Their motto is as follows:

“Depression has one degree of separation: if you don't suffer, then someone you know does.   We aim to bring dialogue, awareness, and acceptance for those suffering from depression through laughter and vulnerability.  We laugh at the dark stuff, because laughter releases the pain.  We talk about depression, because no one should feel shame.  With an army of comedians, we hope to kill the stigma of depression and share stories of hope, happiness and triumph.” 

The show will be followed by a discussion panel with the opportunity for anyone seeking mental health support to visit six different informative booths:  National Alliance on Mental Illness, Bristol-Burlington Health District, Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and Peaceful Mind, Behavioral Health and Wellness. 
Arts and Culture Supervisor, Arianna Therriault shared, “January can be a trying time and Downtown Live is delighted to have a light hearted comedic group share their stories of triumph through vulnerability, while also providing a space for anyone who might need some invaluable information.  Mental health is so important and we are excited to offer this free to the public in our wonderful Rockwell Theater.”

Superintendent of BPRYCS, Josh Medeiros commented, “the annual community conversation is an important event that holds space for people to come together to learn, share, and lean into the difficult dialogue that helps us grow as people. We are excited to shift this year’s event as part of the Downtown Live series at the Rockwell Theater to provide a free, inclusive experience for the community”.