Such a timely and incredibly significant topic Alissa. How fortunate we are to have such a diverse and effective tool as musical theater to keep kids SAFE and Sane,(although "sane" is negotiable near the end of a production?) On a serious note, many of us can quote stories when a child's participation in a musical has truly saved his life. Don't underestimate the power of acceptance with our vehicle. From making buttons to working fundraisers to pulling the curtain or doing a jazz square, there is SOMEPLACE for every kid in the package of a show. Rarely does a kid come out without saying they have new friends, more confidence, kids now talk with them or they can manage time better when allowed to articulate! I just finished a pilot last Friday of the first run of Disney's "Winnie the Pooh Kids' in NYC. We partnered with a public school with a broad spectrum of kids and backgrounds. I purposely did NOT want to know their personal histories in the 5 intense days we spent together, unless of course it involved their safety. The para professional that accompanied this group shared some of their home lives AFTER the pilot. In the 35 hours I spent with them, they were engaged and brought their vibrant creativity to 28 other kids they did not know. They were working hard and having fun producing one common goal. Safety wasn't an issue, gang connections were not an issue, but putting on a great show WAS an issue, and they did. Shows give kids a place, an outlet, a signature, a team, a dream and in many inner city schools I have worked with, a REASON TO COME TO SCHOOL. A show is a "drug of choice" for many of our kids. It is our prescription for kids especially in times of budget woes. Need ideas to include more kids? Write me, I am happy to give you a laundry list that doesn't end....with love. CR