Lifeline Productions is preparing for the world premiere of Begin Again Badge at the Cook Theatre, running from June 11 through June 21. Written and performed by Cristela Carrizales, the production marks a deeply personal milestone for the artist, charting a raw trajectory through identity, trauma, validation, addiction, and recovery.

Utilizing a blend of narrative storytelling, sharp humor, and deliberate theatrical design, the solo performance explores the universal complexities of visibility, survival, and cPTSD. Ultimately, the narrative arrives at a place of self-recognition and the profound courage required to choose oneself.

"This show isn't just about the heavy moments," notes Will Luera, Artistic Director. "It’s about the incredible resilience it takes to find light in the middle of a storm. Watching Cristela develop this story has been a masterclass in reclaiming one’s own narrative. She’s not just performing; she’s inviting the audience to witness a transformation."

A Collective Space for Healing

For Carrizales, staging this performance extends beyond personal catharsis—it is an intentional act of community building.

"My goal was to create a piece that is deeply personal, yet reflects a lived experience that is far from unique," Carrizales shares. "We rarely see women’s pain reflected back to us, which can make us feel alone. Especially regarding mental health, being in the same room with others is so vital to healing. I want to create an intimate experience where you get to know me, and I get to fill your cup with my story."

Early workshop attendees have noted the production’s unique balancing act, describing it as an experience that runs the gamut from heartbreak to belly laughter. Built on the premise that storytelling is a fundamental tool for survival, Begin Again Badge balances the weight of a complex past with the tangible hope of the present. The result is a piece that functions equally as confession and celebration—a raw, unfiltered reminder that no one is entirely alone in the struggle to start over.

Production & Performance Schedule

• Ticket Price: $35
• Run Dates: June 11–21 (Matinee & Evening Shows Available)
• Venue: Cook Theatre, Sarasota
• Playwright & Performer: Cristela Carrizales
• Core Themes: Recovery, cPTSD, Resilience, and Self-Compassion

About Lifeline Productions

Lifeline Productions is a nonprofit arts organization that uses theater and storytelling to amplify personal narratives, challenge stigma, and spark critical conversations about mental health. Founded on the belief that live performance has unique therapeutic and connective power, the company brings real-life stories of human resilience to the stage to foster deeper empathy and community well-being. Learn more at lifelineproductionsinc.org.