Art does not exist in a vacuum. In all of its forms, it is an expression of social values and change, a creative representation of society's beliefs, fears and hopes. The vision presented by the young people of City at Peace-Los Angeles, to their peers and the larger community, are immediate and important. Our process and production literally provide a voice, a stage, for the underserved youth who take part in our programs.

A 1995 study by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that, of all the extracurricular activities in which youth can participate, it is long-term theater and music programs that significantly reduce every negative behavior for teens and significantly increase academic performance. The performing arts provide a unique opportunity to begin the relevant conversations and develop the necessary tools while also providing positive development activities for youth. This is especially true for City at Peace participants who gain not only the benefits of the performing arts but also the benefits of training in violence prevention and diversity. There are additional advantages in using the Performing Arts in the work of City at Peace. The Performing Arts are collaborative and relational in nature, ie. they teach teamwork and group development and are an engaging popular media which can serve as an effective vehicle for voicing ideas about the world and visions for change.

City at Peace-Los Angeles offers a unique opportunity to reach students and community members who are traditionally excluded from traditional arts programs. For many participants, City at Peace-Los Angeles is their first hands-on exposure to the performing arts. Similarly, in some cases, viewing the public performance marks a first-ever theater experience for participants' families and friends, and motivates parents and the community to advocate for arts education in schools. Eighty percent of the audiences at City at Peace-Los Angeles performances are from non-traditional, underserved populations.

For participants, even those who do not eventually pursue a career in the arts develop an appreciation for and understanding of the importance of the arts in their lives and the life of their community. City at Peace offers a creative alternative to those students who are shut out of mainstream programs in the performing arts. Mindy Jones, Program Officer for the Ahmanson Foundation, says:

"This is the most comprehensive and unique youth development program I have encountered in a long time. The work is creative and thought provoking."

Ms. Jones' statement is remarkable considering that many of our youth have never even seen a stage production, much less performed in one. The same holds true of our typical audience members.