Teens take center stage at Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Teens will be taking center stage at the Lobero theater in Santa Barbara this weekend.

"It’s been kind of a journey … I think it’s more of just like finding ourselves to really be comfortable with each other and being comfortable with us to show like a different side to us with a group of strangers essentially," said participant Kenia Salas of AHA! "Sing It Out."

The performance "Sing It Out" is put on by the nonprofit organization called AHA! that helps thousands of teens every year.

"For one of my children it was communication … there was a big struggle for him and what it meant to speak the truth and so through the process of being in a-ha from seventh grade through senior year, he was willing to open up in a way that felt safe to him," said executive director Roxana Petty of AHA!.

The organization works with teenagers, educators and parents to dismantle apathy, prevent despair and interrupt hate-based behavior.

"It’s so much fun. It’s like a big growing process and we’re learning a lot about ourselves and other people," said participant Milora Seashore Wright of "Sing It Out."

This weekend's event serves as the nonprofit's largest fundraiser of the year.

"Most of these kids have not had access to music lessons or theater or instruments, and it is an opportunity for us to really showcase the transformation that can take place in teens," said senior director of development Molly Green of AHA!.

While organizers of "Sing It Out" believe there will be hundreds in attendance, they’re hoping for a sold out crowd.

“Stepping into their power into their light and I just hope it’s an evening joy and celebration," said lead facilitator Caitlin Cohn of "Sing It Out."

All proceeds will go toward funding dozens of AHA! services for teens, families and educators in the community.

“My hope is that like through seeing the show people will see a bigger part of themselves that they haven’t seen before," said Wright.

If you would like to help support local teens and AHA! teen services, you can still purchase tickets for “Sing It Out” at the Lobero Theatre box office in Santa Barbara.

For more information on this week's AHA! "Sing It Out" performance, visit: https://www.lobero.org/events/aha-sing-it-out-2024/.