"Is Beauty a Beast?" is a collaborative project developed with our trusted partner organizations—from theatrical studios in Czechia and Estonia to youth organizations in Portugal and Greece—that aims to challenge the destructive influence of unrealistic beauty standards imposed by modern media. These harmful standards contribute to severe psychological and physical challenges among young people, including eating disorders, depression, and low self-esteem. Our project seeks to empower youth by using theatre and drama as transformative tools for self-exploration, personal development, and community building. From a youth work perspective, our objectives are to: Encourage Self-Acceptance and Self-Expression: Participants will engage in theatrical exercises that enable them to explore their identities and emotions, fostering authenticity, resilience, and a positive self-image free from external pressures. Develop Critical Thinking About Media Influences: Through reflective discussions and creative methods, young people will learn to analyze and question the media and societal norms that promote unrealistic beauty ideals, empowering them to resist harmful messages. Promote Empathy and Understanding: By stepping into diverse roles and experiencing different perspectives through drama, participants will develop deeper sensitivity to others' struggles, nurturing compassion and a supportive community. Create a Supportive Community: The project provides a safe, inclusive space where youth can share experiences, support one another, and collectively challenge damaging societal norms. Raise Awareness and Reduce Stigma: Through public performances and creative outputs, participants will communicate the psychological and physical consequences of imposed beauty standards, educating peers and communities about the importance of self-acceptance. Empower Youth as Organizers and Leaders: A central objective is to actively involve young people (aged 15–20) in every aspect of the project. Participants will take the lead in planning and conducting workshops, masterclasses, and creative sessions—with guidance and support from experienced group leaders and facilitators—thereby developing essential leadership, teamwork, and project management skills. Integrate Sustainable and Harmonious Community Practices: Utilizing the Dragon Dreaming methodology, our project will promote sustainable lifestyles and emphasize that true beauty and well-being are rooted in natural, authentic living. In addition to theatrical methods, participants will acquire practical skills in sustainable living, enabling them to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives. This holistic approach demonstrates that the principles and laws of nature are far more beneficial and realistic than the artificial standards propagated by mass media. Ultimately, "Is Beauty a Beast?" aims to empower young people to redefine beauty on their own terms, cultivate a healthier self-image, and build resilient, supportive communities. By combining the transformative power of theatre with practical training in sustainable lifestyles, our project not only addresses personal development and mental health but also fosters broader social change that will continue to benefit youth well beyond the project's lifetime.