For many years, Milwaukee's teens have shown their spirit and talent through the many arts programs now available in our city. From music to theater, the young people in Milwaukee have put on countless shows expressing themselves and sharing their talent with everyone. However, many teens are not taking advantage of this great opportunity. So many chances to see (and appear in!) productions at little or no cost are missed because people just don't know about them.

First Stage Children's Theater is a professional troupe that speaks to the unique point of view of the teens in Milwaukee. First Stage is also about expanding those views by influencing teens interested in theater productions to strive toward something greater such as acting, directing, producing and/or screenwriting. The current production of First Stage is "Treasure Island," an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale of adventure and intrigue.

Vijay, a student at Morse Middle School said, "I like going to these plays to have fun. I don't even fall asleep!"

Teens can even go to one of their summer theater programs and later perform in a show with First Stage. Imagine: a leading role in their next production. For details go to www.firststage.org.

If theater just isn't your thing, try music. No, not rap or R&B, pop or even country. Classical! That's right, I said classical, and I can just see you cringing at the thought of even sitting through more than an hour of that music.

Daniel, from Riverside High School says, "Classical music makes a well-rounded person!"

A great place where you can go see teens play the instruments they love is Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra. MYSO is a nonprofit organization devoted to training talented young musicians from the ages of 8 to 18. They teach the techniques of orchestral and ensemble musicianship through rehearsals, performances and other activities.

The students who are qualified to participate in MYSO can join in a number of ensembles. They can even perform with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. If you have a great talent and you want to play your instrument as a future career choice, you can even audition to perform with them! Look for performance and audition dates at www.myso.org or call the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts at (414) 272-8540.

Tired of old movies or just sitting around home watching all those MTV reruns? Go to the theater and have something to talk about with your friends. Hey, you might even get extra credit in one of your classes just for being there.

Interested in playing flute or drums later in life? Do you want a challenge with your musical skills? MYSO could be the answer for you. Professional theaters and symphony orchestras provide the cultural experiences necessary for a well-rounded individual, as do extracurricular activities and performance workshops in our schools. Ever thought of joining the school play? Don't be afraid to jump in and audition for whatever arts program you'd like. (It looks great on college applications too.)

For more information on music, theater and dance productions in your area, look in your local newspaper or check out OnMilwaukee.com. Get involved and support teen arts in Milwaukee!

To find out more about what teens in Milwaukee are saying about important issues, tune into "Making the Grade" Friday nights at 12:30 on WB 18 and Saturday mornings at 11 on UPN 24 or check out MTG's Web site at makingthegrade.tv.