(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) presents The Psychology of Cults – A Live Event on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 8:00pm. Hosted by renowned cult interventionist Ashlen Hilliard, this gripping live show takes audiences deep inside the world of cults—how they form, why people join, and what it takes to break free.
Ashlen Hilliard, MSc, PSS, is one of the few academically trained, harm-reduction-oriented cult-intervention specialists in the United States. The Psychology of Cults – A Live Event delves deep into how cults form, manipulate, and maintain control over their followers. From headline-making cases like NXIVM and Heaven's Gate to lesser-known but equally dangerous groups, audiences will gain rare insight into the psychology of coercion and survival in high-control environments.
Tickets range from $35-$67 (includes all fees) and are available for purchase online. Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is located at 100 South Street in Morristown, New Jeryey.
During intermission, audience members will submit questions for Hilliard to address in an unscripted Q&A that brings the audience directly into the conversation.
The Psychology of Cults – A Live Event is directed by TJ Dawe, who was also the director for Right Angle Entertainment's national touring productions The Psychology of Serial Killers, The Psychology of Murderers, and Cold Case Live.
Experts estimate there are thousands of active groups in the U.S. that exhibit cult-like behavior—using coercive control or undue influence over its members. From infamous organizations and groups like the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), QAnon, and Jonestown, to more obscure but equally insidious organizations, Hilliard unpacks the psychology, tactics, and hidden dangers that cults use to control their members.
"I'm truly honored to bring this important show to audiences nationwide this fall. Cults and coercion are complex topics that affect many more lives than headlines reveal," says Hilliard, who has been featured as an expert on Hulu ("How I Escaped My Cult"), NewsNation, HuffPost, BET, and more. "Whether you're fascinated, fearful, or just curious, my goal is to offer fresh perspectives that help people understand these groups—and to inspire thoughtful conversations about how manipulation can show up in all areas of life. This live experience is about awareness, education, and ultimately, empowerment."
Ashlen Hilliard, MSc, PSS
"Cult influence isn't always as obvious as headlines suggest," says Hilliard. "We will also explore how coercion and abuse can happen in everyday life—within relationships, workplaces, wellness communities, and even social movements." With real-life stories, expert insights, and interactive discussions, audiences will learn to recognize red flags, protect themselves, and understand why people fall under the spell of high-control groups.
Ashlen Weltz (Hilliard), MSc, PSS is the next generation of Cult Intervention Specialists. Her work has been featured in prominent media outlets like Hulu, NewsNation, HuffPost, and BET+. The public remains fascinated by cults, and in her show, Ashlen explores the psychology of destructive groups, and the individuals who become entangled in them, using education and storytelling as powerful tools for intervention.
Ashlen's early interest in the dynamics of belief and influence was ignited by her upbringing in Utah, where she was surrounded by a unique blend of culture, religion, and history. This curiosity drew her back to Utah after college, where she worked as a case manager supporting individuals exiting diverse Mormon Fundamentalist Polygamous communities across the West. This challenging and sometimes dangerous work shaped her to be a fierce advocate for survivors.
In 2022, Ashlen founded People Leave Cults, offering intervention and recovery resources for survivors and concerned loved ones. As one of the few Cult Intervention Specialists in the country, Ashlen consults with a team of experts to develop personalized intervention strategies for families that have a loved one involved in a range of coercive situations, including cults, gangs, domestic violence, trafficking, and violent extremism.
Previous to creating People Leave Cults, Ashlen's expertise was further strengthened by her MSc in the Psychology of Coercive Control. Her published research, Understanding Reproductive Coercion in Cults and Destructive Group Settings, was the first exploratory analysis of the complex experiences of individuals who have experienced reproductive coercion while under the influence of a cultic or destructive group. She also served as the Director of Events for the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA), organizing regional and international events, workshops, and conferences for those affected by the cult phenomena and psychological manipulation.
In addition to her work with People Leave Cults, Ashlen is also an active volunteer co-organizer of the Spiritual Abuse Forum for Education (SAFE) Meetups where she resides in Portland, Oregon. She is also the Executive Producer for the upcoming indie film Beyond the Fence, a coming-of-age drama about four sisters fighting to escape the violent cult in which they were raised.
Right Angle Entertainment (RAE) specializes in the production, marketing, management and distribution of live theatrical, digital, and concert events. RAE's proud roster includes: "Wheel of Fortune Live!," Hasbro's "Clue: A Walking Mystery" immersive experience, "The Price is Right LIVE!," "The Masked Singer National Tour Live!," "Jay Shetty Love Rules – World Tour," "The Simon & Garfunkel Story," "The Psychology of Serial Killers," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical," and London's close-up magic show "The Magician's Table" among many others.
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.
The 2025-2026 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals.
