Inside the World of Indy Teens: 'Here Me, Hear Me'

A group of Indianapolis young men and women are using theatre to tackle real-world topics affecting them. The teens rehearsed for a stage play, "Here Me, Hear Me," put on by youth mentorship programs New B.O.Y. and Inner Beauty.

"Gun violence, drugs, having nobody to look up to, not having nobody to talk to, a mother, a dad."

Branden Yates, 17, says New B.O.Y. has given him a place to thrive over the past two and a half years.

"It gives you a male figure to look up to, especially if you don’t have a male figure in your house. It gives you a different outlet, or a safe place for some kids."

Mekenzie Hughes, 15, says Inner Beauty gave her a better pathway in life.

"When I first joined, I was a bad kid. I didn’t listen to nobody. I was not following the right path, and this put me on the right path."

The teens say it's often hard for adults to understand their struggles.

"Here Me, Hear Me" aims to break down those barriers.

Branden Yates says, "Talk to your kids. If you’re not talking to your kids, you never know what they're going through."

The performance of "Here Me, Hear Me" will take place this Friday at 6:30 p.m. at New Revelation Christian Church.