Acting Out! Fest is the brainchild of artist Derek Hess and his long-time business agent, Martin Geramita, along with Cleveland marketing / events guru, Angie Hetrick. Breaking down the stigmas that surround mental illness and addiction is a matter that’s especially important to Hess, whose struggles with bipolar disorder and substance abuse are not only well known, they’re integral subjects to his emotionally charged artwork.

Our core arts programming includes collaboration with local experts and nationally known celebrity mental health and addiction advocates, sharing their stories to help us deliver our message to a larger audience.

After Acting Out! 2016 we realized the greater need to connect the public and those in need with mental health and addiction resources. We strive to achieve this goal through programming partnerships with leading mental health and addiction organizations. Acting Out! 2017 is presented with generous support from The Centers for Families and Children, The Woodruff Foundation, Cleveland Clinic, Recovery Resources, Signature Health / Connections, Ohio Guidestone, Jakprints, and Gordon Square Arts District.

Acting Out! Fest was created to help break down the stigmas that surround mental illness and addiction by using arts programming that includes musical performances, talks, film, comedy, and visual art from local artists and nationally known celebrity mental health and addiction advocates. In addition to helping connect those in need of mental health and addiction assistance with available resources.