You are invited! Childhood Trauma & Juvenile Justice is a solo play by UCLA’s Dr. Micah E. Johnson. Each RSVP will receive FREE entry, FREE books, and other giveaways. Complete the 2-minute RSVP form above
Dr. Micah E. Johnson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and the Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies. He is also a SAG-AFTRA actor and award-winning performer who converts academic lectures and research into plays, performances, and other creative works. Childhood Trauma & Juvenile Justice explores how different experiences with risks and resources can lead to very different life trajectories. The play fuses academic research and theatre to create an experimental, immersive experience. RSVP for FREE to witness the world premiere on November 13, 2026, at 3:03 PM.
Seating is first-come, first-served. RSVP and arrive early for guaranteed entry and premium seating. If you are unable to attend, you can still support us by following @DoctorMicahJohnson. For more info, call: (213) 609-0836
Childhood Trauma & Juvenile Justice at Lani Hall by UCLA’s MICAH JOHNSON
Behind the Scenes
Childhood Trauma & Juvenile Justice
Childhood Trauma & Juvenile Justice is a new solo play by UCLA’s Dr. Micah Johnson that explores how trauma, opportunity, and systems shape the course of a person’s life. Through multiple characters and alternative realities, the play examines how different combinations of risk and protective factors can send the same person down dramatically different trajectories. One life may lead toward stability, healing, and opportunity, while another may lead toward addiction, violence, incarceration, or loss. Grounded in Dr. Johnson’s personal experiences and life’s work investigating the criminalization of mental illness and the poverty-to-prison pipeline, the performance asks what happens when children experience trauma and the very systems designed to support them fail. Blending storytelling, science, drama, humor, and lived experience, Childhood Trauma & Juvenile Justice reveals how individual choices matter, but those choices are shaped by families, communities, institutions, and systems that can either protect young people or push them further into crisis.
The University of Florida News and Tallahassee Democrat published articles explaining Dr. Micah Johnson’s background.
The best way to help is to show up, book a show, or donate: DoctorMicahJohnson.com/Donate
What do you need?
We need youth and the families, friends, and mentors who support them. We are calling on all students, parents, guardians, mentors, leaders, big homies, big brothers, and big sisters—to RSVP and show up. Plan a group trip, a family outing, or a community gathering. We need youth to be in the building, especially any young person who has been dealing with negative thoughts, conflict, trauma, and mental health struggles. We want all youth to be a part of this experience.
Is there anything else I should know?
Q&A
Q: What is the play about?
A: Childhood Trauma and Juvenile Justice is a solo play by Dr. Micah Johnson that explores how childhood trauma can impact a person’s health and behavior and their involvement in the justice system. It’s designed to engage and empower youth, families, and community leaders.
Q: Who is the target audience?
A: 14+, especially anyone with experience or interest in childhood trauma and juvenile justice.
Q: Is the event free?
A: Yes, the event is free, but RSVP will have preferred seating.
Q: Can one device complete the survey for multiple youth?
A: Yes! After completing the survey once, refresh the page or reopen the link to register another person. However, please make sure each individual answers the survey questions. We will use the data to better understand each individual.
Q: Can I forward the survey link to others?
A: Absolutely!
Q: Can I complete the survey for someone else?
A: We strongly encourage each person to complete the survey themselves so we can better understand them.
Q: Where and when is the event?
A: Friday, November 13, at 3:03 PM, at UCLA’s Lani Hall
Q: Is there an age requirement?
A: The event is recommended for ages 14 and up. This show may not be appropriate for young children. Parental discretion is advised.
Q: Are there transportation resources for youth?
A: Yes, we may be able to help support transportation expenses for groups with 20 or more youth. Please contact us 3 weeks in advance at contact@doctormicahjohnson.com.
Q: Is seating first-come, first-served?
A: Yes, but please RSVP!
Q: How can I register or RSVP?
A: Complete the RSVP form above.
Q: Will food or refreshments be provided?
A: No.
Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes. The nearest parking garage is UCLA Visitor Parking Garage 2.
Q: What topics will be covered?
A: The play dives into how childhood experiences can shape an adlescent’s health, behavior, life trajectory.
Q: Can I bring my kids?
A: Yes, we highly encourage families to attend, especially families with teenagers and young adults. However, this show may not be appropriate for children under the age of 14.
Q: How can I donate or support the event?
A: You are amazing! Karma is watching. Donate here
Q: Are there prizes?
A: Maybe, but probably not. Follow Dr. Johnson on Instagram for more information: https://www.instagram.com/doctormicahjohnson
Q: Will there be follow-up resources and events?
A: Yes, a workbook and additional resources will be available for attendees.
Q: How can I stay updated about future events?
A: Follow Dr. Johnson on Instagram for more information: https://www.instagram.com/doctormicahjohnson.
Q: Who can I contact for more information about the event?
A: For more information, email contact@DoctorMicahJohnson.com.
Q: Will the event be recorded or live-streamed?
A: No. This event is live, in-person, and for one night only. We anticipate that the show will premiere on Youtube in 2027! Follow Dr. Johnson on Instagram for more information: https://www.instagram.com/doctormicahjohnson.
Q: How can I book Dr. Johnson for a presentation or performance?
A: https://doctormicahjohnson.com/contact