CO-CREATOR | CO-DIRECTOR
TRICH

Logo/Key Art Design by Tzipora Kaplan

TRICH is the critically-acclaimed solo show written and performed by Becca Schneider and directed by Jenn Haltman and Casey Pfeifer. This “moving and infinitely funny play” (Lehigh Valley Press) shines a light on Becca’s decades-long journey with trichotillomania. As she recounts her story through humor, vulnerability, and arguably too many 90s references, Becca provides a nuanced perspective on not only this disorder but any condition or situation one might find shameful and in turn, discovers what it means to forge a path to recovery.

TRICH was the top-selling play at the 2021 United Solo Theatre Festival at Theatre Row in New York City, winning both the Best Actress and Audience Choice Awards. In December 2023, it had a sold-out run to rave reviews at Luna Stage in West Orange, NJ and was named one of the top fifteen New Jersey productions of the year by NJArts. The solo show’s third run wrapped up a successful weekend at Civic Theatre of Allentown in May 2024, and its fourth run was at BARCLAY Performing Arts in Boca Raton, FL in July 2024.

In October, the team brought TRICH to Washington, D.C. for the TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors’ annual conference. This special performance was followed by a Q&A with Becca, moderated by HabitAware’s co-founder Aneela Idnani.

Director’s Note

In late 2019, we began the process of developing TRICH. Our goal was to create a path for Becca to share her story in a clear, authentic way; this intention was our North Star as we developed the script. By creating a safe place for this play to land, all three of us were able to bring our own vulnerability to the work. Together, we reflected on the barrage of problematic messages we grew up absorbing in American media and culture. We questioned why mental health has only become a part of mainstream conversation in recent years. We explored how the lack of awareness, knowledge, and constructive conversation around mental health often results in behaviors hidden by shame and secrecy.

TRICH is an offering, a gesture towards the world we want to see – a world where we can better show up for one another surrounding our wellbeing and safety. We are immensely proud of Becca for her bravery, and her trust in our leadership is an honor we do not take lightly. We hope you love this play as much as we do. And if you personally struggle with mental health, we hope you find relief in learning that you are not alone.

– Jenn and Casey

Podcast Feature

The TRICH team chats with Robert about process, collaboration, lobsters, and the December 2023 run at Luna Stage. Watch it below, or you can listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.

  • "Haltman and Pfeifer’s direction never flags as Schneider inexorably tells her tale in a performance full of humanity and vulnerability."

    — NJ Arts Maven

  • "This dynamic trio shines a painfully honest light on a difficult challenge. Love, puns, humor and a rich understanding of the teen still lurking in each of us makes the authenticity more penetrating."

    — [Q]onStage

  • "Relatable and inspirational...An absolute triumph."

    — NJ Arts

  • "Original, gripping, and absolutely needed."

    — All About SOLO

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