"There is nothing better than when artists use their platforms to better their communities through direct action, that's what Acting Out represents, a sincere and impactful festival that brings creatives together in service to a population that is underserved. That is activism at its finest."

“There is nothing better than having consumers, people with the ‘lived experience’, take the lead in helping others learn about the diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders. Our best chance of destigmatizing depression, bipolar disorder, and other serious mental illnesses is to have consumers with these illnesses “Act Out!

"Being that I struggle with mental health issues, I applaud Derek for bringing more attention to this cause. Art, in it's many forms, can be very comforting to those afflicted with this struggle. Whether you create it or simply enjoy it, the bridging of art (artists) with people with mental health issues can only bring positive results.”