INVEST IN STORIES THAT CHANGE LIVES
Illuminating Stories from Veterans, First Responders & Their Families; Connecting Communities
WHAT WE DO
We bring to the stage veterans and first responders with extraordinary artists to illuminate their stories of service, resilience, loss and sacrifice.
Through the power of story, music and theatre, our work helps communities better understand the lived experiences of veterans and first responders, and empowers individuals to transform adversity into purpose, connection, and growth.
WHY IT MATTERS
As more veterans and first responders continue to navigate the lasting effects of service, communities need new ways to understand, support, and reconnect with those who serve. In a time of increasing division and isolation, we foster empathy, inspire healing and purpose, and strengthen the bonds that unite communities.
WHY NOW?
As our nation reflects on 25 years since the September 11 attacks, we have a unique opportunity to bring stories of service, sacrifice, resilience and healing to communities across the country to establish a lasting national movement that honors lived experience, fosters understanding, and strengthens community for years to come.
OUR IMPACT
Audience Members Reached
40,000+
Connections to Local Resources
4,000+
Live Performances
200+
EXPERIENCE Participants
“Modern Warrior reminds veterans they are not victims and that they can use their experiences to grow and make significant contributions to society.”
50+
“Through this, I started realizing I could communicate with my family about things I couldn’t communicate with them before.”
BEHIND THE LINES: A 9/11 STORY
Our newest touring production unites FDNY firefighter Bill Spade, who responded to the World Trade Center attacks, and post-9/11 combat veteran Jaymes Poling, revealing a powerful story of service, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit while inspiring meaningful dialogue across generations.
MODERN WARRIOR LIVE
Our flagship touring production follows Army veteran Jaymes Poling from the battlefields of Afghanistan through post-traumatic stress to a life of healing, service, and renewed purpose, demonstrating the transformative power of resilience, human connection, and hope.
EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
Participants transform lived experiences into authentic personal narratives that foster healing, resilience, and growth. Through guided storytelling, they develop the confidence and communication skills to inspire hope, strengthen empathy, and build deeper connections within their communities.
Participants then bring these stories into schools, workplaces, healthcare settings, and community organizations, creating meaningful dialogue, reducing stigma, and helping communities better understand and support one another.
LOCAL ACTIVATIONS
More than 75% of attendees and participants report they are more likely to inquire about mental health resources after experiencing our performances and programs. Our community activations connect audiences with local mental health providers, veteran and first responder organizations, and other trusted community resources - turning empowerment into action and ensuring those inspired to seek support know where to find it.
HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMANCES
A Behind the Lines performance structured for high schools gives students born after 9/11 the opportunity to experience firsthand stories of service, sacrifice, and the human capacity to endure. This performance and post-performance talkback deepens their understanding of the history and lasting impact of 9/11, and sparks meaningful conversations about mental wellbeing, resilience, and civic engagement.
EXPANSION INITIATIVES
CURRICULUM
A curriculum built on the core themes of Behind the Lines will help high school students explore the history and lasting impact of 9/11, discover how music and the arts can inspire social change, develop career-ready skills, strengthen community connections, and build awareness of mental health, resilience, and wellbeing.
DOCUMENTARY
Capturing the stories and transformative conversations inspired by Behind the Lines - including audience reflections on what 9/11 and service mean to them - extending our impact beyond live performances and reaching audiences around the world through film.
STREAM THE STORY
A filmed version of Behind the Lines ensures these powerful stories reach far beyond the theater and break barriers to access across generations.
