Nashville’s creative spirit shines especially bright this November as CreatiVets, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping wounded veterans heal through the arts, brings its first-ever Stars and Scars to Scripts event to TPAC. Founded by Marine Corps veteran Richard Casper, CreatiVets empowers veterans to transform their stories of service and sacrifice into powerful works of art, music, and theater. On November 12, audiences will experience an inspiring evening that blends original plays written by veterans, live performances from acclaimed artists like Vince Gill and Charles Esten, and a gallery showcasing artwork created in CreatiVets’ immersive programs. It’s a moving celebration of resilience, creativity, and community that invites Nashville to connect, honor, and support those who have served. We spoke with the nonprofit to learn more about the event as well as the organization’s mission and impact. — Destiny Mizell
About: CreatiVets is a national nonprofit organization that empowers wounded veterans to heal through the arts and music. Founded in 2013 by Marine Corps veteran Richard Casper, it provides veterans with opportunities to express their experiences through creative outlets such as songwriting, visual arts, photography, and storytelling. Casper’s personal journey with art and songwriting as a means to cope with post-war trauma inspired the organization, which has grown into a nationwide movement helping thousands of veterans turn pain into purpose.
Stars and Scars to Scripts: Screenplay writing is one of CreatiVets’ art programs, allowing veterans to tell their stories through plays performed by professional actors. This year, the event blends theater and music, reflecting CreatiVets’ mission to help veterans heal by turning their stories into art that inspires connection and understanding. Guests will see a miniature art gallery featuring veterans’ artwork, four short plays written by veterans and directed by D.B. Sweeney, and a writers’ round with artists like Vince Gill, Charles Esten, Kalsey Kulyk, Jay DeMarcus, and Richard Casper. A silent auction will support CreatiVets’ mission.
Trauma Into Art: CreatiVets uses art forms to foster self-expression, transforming trauma into art that inspires healing. Veterans work with Hollywood screenwriters to reinterpret their experiences, with studies showing expressive writing and narrative therapy can reduce post-traumatic stress. CreatiVets’ music programs are embedded in Nashville’s songwriting community, building relationships with artists who support veterans’ causes. Collaborators have contributed through writing, performing, and supporting events, cultivated over years through the power of CreatiVets’ programs.
The Impact: Creative expression taps into principles found in art therapy and evidence-based interventions. Engaging in activities like songwriting, painting, or photography can reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression by activating emotional processing and memory centers in the brain. It provides a safe, nonverbal way to confront and release emotions, helping veterans regain control and purpose. Veterans describe the experience as emotional and empowering, validating their stories and helping them move from isolation to connection. Seeing their stories performed is often a turning point in their healing. CreatiVets’ impact reports show reduced isolation and anger, and improved sleep, confidence, and positivity. Veterans repurpose memories through creativity, finding joy and validation when their stories are performed by professionals, helping them speak openly and find pride in their journey.
What’s to Come: CreatiVets is opening a 24-hour veteran art and music center in West Nashville, expanding programs and developing a prescription music platform for therapeutic use. The community can support by attending events, donating, volunteering, and spreading the word about the healing power of art and music.
To Donate: CreatiVets Donation Page
For Veterans: Veteran Application
To Volunteer: CreatiVets Volunteer Page
Listen To Music: CreatiVets On Streaming Platforms