Following the skits, they conduct optional breakout sessions with the audience, inviting them to ask questions, explore topics, and find resources and help for their concerns. Repeatedly SOS hears from audience members how these performances, talkbacks, or follow-up resources changed their lives. Both youth and adults learn how kids experience the pressures and demands placed upon them and they see new possibilities for positive actions they can take.

Youth today are increasingly faced with troubling and complex issues and they often lack the information, support, and guidance needed to make responsible decisions. Societal changes mean modern youth often have little or no parental supervision.  Without guidance, they have more access to drugs and alcohol, adult media, and frequently become involved with other troubled youth. This affects their outlook and today’s youth often suffer from depression, low self-esteem, or other psychological disorders.  Such troubled young people can be found in every component of society, both social and economic.  The news today is full of the consequences of teen problems; school shoot-outs, teen pregnancies, teen addiction and criminal offences, as well as behavior and eating disorders.

SOS places itself in the center of our youth community. We present youth friendly and accessible programming that meets youth where they are – schools, teen centers, and community organizations. Our rehearsals provide a safe space for teens to discuss issues and explore their effect through theatre. SOS provides a strong sense of community and responsibility for the young actors and brings youth from rural and urban settings together to discuss these issues through its centrally located rehearsals and its touring performances.

SOS for Youth has documented success in its work with young people over the past 22 years, and has earned credibility with affiliated organizations and donors. SOS trains youth in peer-to-peer education through the medium of live performance. In this outreach to other youth in schools, churches, and community organizations, our Teen Touring Company engages audiences with educational messages of individual responsibility and hope. Through high-quality, cutting-edge performance, the members of the acting troupe provide powerful performances on numerous contemporary issues such as respect, bullying and drug abuse.  Following the presentation, they conduct breakout sessions with the audience, inviting them to ask questions, explore topics, and find resources and help for their concerns. Repeatedly SOS hears from audience members how these performances, talkbacks, or follow-up resources changed their lives. Both youth and adults learn how kids experience the pressures and demands placed upon them and they see new possibilities for positive actions they can take.