Kids work with police to create theater at the Fountain Theatre in the “Walking the Beat” show. (photo by Theo Perkins)

“Walking the Beat,” the Fountain Theatre’s innovative community-building program that sees cops and teens working together to create the­ater, presents “Flicker.” Seven teenagers from Hollywood High School, Hawthorne High School and Orthopaedic Hospital Medical High School, with support from the Bresee Youth Center, joined in a transforma­tive group process with four officers representing the Los Angeles School and UCLA Police Departments to generate ideas, stories and experi­ences over the course of nine weeks. “Flicker” is a compilation of their writings, conversations and improvi­sations – all exploring what it means and takes to keep ourselves and our communities safe.

Performances, with lighting design by Alison Brummer, sound design by Marc Antonio Pritchett and video design by Adler Lefleur, will take place on the Fountain Theatre’s outdoor stage.

Now in its third year at the Fountain, “Walking the Beat” uti­lizes performing arts as a vehicle for youth empowerment and com­munity building, providing life-changing experiences for under­served youth and police officers. Founded by the Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble and led by exec­utive and artistic director Theo Perkins, this year’s program pro­vides students with opportunities to work hands-on with program facil­itator and director Angela Kariotis, renowned artist Kristina Wong, drama therapists Adam Stevens and Danielle Levenas, and mindfulness and yoga coach Tina LeMar.

“Walking the Beat” supporters include Warner Media/AT&T, Mary Jo and David Volk, L.A. County Department of Probation, Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Allison Thomas. the Phillips-Gerla family, East Hollywood Neighborhood Council and Deborah Irmas.

Performances will be held Saturday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 14 at 8 p.m. at The Fountain Theatre Outdoor Stage, 5060 Fountain Ave.

For information go to FountainTheatre.com or call (323) 663-1525.

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