Artists are using the theater as a means of support for former gang members, substance abusers or youth from troubled homes. The CityKids Program, housed at the Pittsburgh Public Theater, turns teens' negative experiences into tools for self-awareness and growth. An intensive, 6-week summer course trains and employs youth, who learn voice, improvisation, movement and audience interaction. Two or three different troupes perform a repertoire of five shows, four times a month. Throughout the year, teens attend monthly sessions to talk about both personal and theater subjects. Participants sign 1-year contracts in which they agree to be punctual, attend all classes and rehearsals, refrain from alcohol and drug use, cease all gang activity and commit to personal transformation. Productions focus on such teen problems as participating in gangs, driving under the influence and living with chemically dependent parents. Recently, CityKids toured 64 performances to public schools and to Pennsylvania-area chapters of MADD, SADD, Blue Cross, the Center for Victims of Violent Crimes and other groups working to make a difference.