Together with Crystian Wiltshire, I co-created Shakespeare for Veterans at the Ft. Thomas, Kentucky VA Health Center.
Testimonials
Sometimes the struggle to communicate can seem insurmountable when the effects of trauma and PTSD make it hard to identify and process emotions. Through the new exposure to Shakespeare presented by Justin McCombs and Crystian Wiltshire, I no longer saw something I was force-fed in school, but literature that I could absolutely identify with and characters who were suffering similar struggles.
This greatly helped to
combat the tempest of thoughts and emotions I was experiencing by giving me valuable insight
and aiding me in labeling them, allowing me to make more positive progress in my own recovery.
— Roger Dean Hall II, US Navy
Justin is one of the most compassionate and generous actors I’ve had the pleasure of “working” with. I was introduced to Justin when I was attending a program for Veterans with PTSD where he facilitated an acting workshop group. The group was intended to allow Veterans with PTSD to experience connection and growth through shared acting experiences during the weekly class. As a female Veteran (and former actor), one of my personal struggles was feeling comfortable with males, especially in a relatively vulnerable environment such as an acting workshop.
Justin was
INCREDIBLE at facilitating this group with safety, love, compassion, and understanding.
If given the chance again, I would attend any workshop Justin facilitated, and would love to be on stage with him!
The group was generally well attended, accounting for approximately 10-15% of the total group of eligible Veterans. However, one week I was the only attendee. As a former actor who had to give it up due to PTSD symptoms, I was terrified to actually perform a scene. After some conversation around safety, and some coaxing through compassion, I was able to read a Shakespeare scene with Justin and his colleague. It was glorious, and to this day, may be my favorite experience as an actor due to the safety and compassion provided in that room with Justin and his colleague. If you get a chance to work with Justin, JUMP ON IT!