Bring "What's Eating Katie?" to UMass

Welcome and thank you for visiting our donation page!

What's Eating Katie? is a musical written by Dina Zeckhausen, founder of the Eating Disorders Information Network, with composer Bryan Mercer. The story begins when Katie meets ED as she is preparing for her first day of college and all that it entails (new people, places, parties and, of course, warnings about the infamous "Freshman 15”). Seemingly kind and charming, ED coerces her into extreme dieting with the promise that her problems can all be solved by one simple thing: being skinny.

I have been given the privilege to work with Dina and the School of Public Health and Health Sciences to bring the show to UMass Amherst this Spring, but in order to pay for directors, advertising, props, lighting, set and other show materials, we are in need of funding.

Your donations will help us address a public health issue that is highly relevant to college campuses—and beyond—throughout the country. Katie’s literal struggle with an actor representing the eating disorder allows the audience to see and hear what it sounds like inside Katie’s head. Between scenes are hilarious “commercials” that parody the extreme diet, fashion, fast food and fitness industries around us. The show as a whole utilizes satire and musical numbers to expose our society’s body image issues and confront common misconceptions about eating disorders.

With the help of your donations, a post-play discussion with the cast and a professional therapist will happen after both evening shows (all are welcome to attend). Walden Behavioral Care, the UMass Center for Counseling and Psychological Health and Active Minds UMass will be aiding us in our educational efforts and outreach. Two very talented UMass grad students are also involved in the production of the show: Jenny Citarelli will be co-directing the show with me and Jin Lee will be playing piano for the musical numbers!

This is a life-changing and potentially life-saving project. The show will engage and enlighten cast and audience members and provide hope for sufferers and loved ones. Ultimately, it encourages people to seek help because recovery is possible. 

You can be part of this exciting opportunity. Your gift will not only help us reach thousands of students, community members and educators, but it will make a powerful difference in their lives. Thank you!

*Show dates are March 3rd and 4th 2017. Auditions for UMass undergraduate and graduate students will be held Nov. 29th and 30th. For more information about the show email wekumass@gmail.com For general information about Dina and the musical visit www.whatseatingkatie.com