Cast and crew help homeless and at-risk youth act out their own versions of movie in fund-raising public performance at Hollywood Arts

 Hollywood, CA – Hollywood Arts, which works with homeless and at-risk youth, will partner with writers and cast members of the hit movie Four Brothers as part of its theater program. Teenagers in Hollywood Arts’ theater program will adapt Four Brothers scenes into 10-minute scenes that combine their own imagination with the movie’s overall themes. One of the two screenwriters—David Elliot—will meet with the teenagers to work on dialogue for the theatrical scenes and to prepare for an Oct. 5 final performance whose proceeds will benefit continued programs at Hollywood Arts. Actor Garrett Hedlund is expected to join Elliot and offer acting tips to the participants.   

Final show tickets are $10. Among those expected to attend the final performances are both screenwriters David Elliot and Paul Lovett, and cast members Garrett Hedlund and Taraji P. Henson. Proceeds will be donated to Hollywood Arts, which provides arts programs and job training for homeless and at-risk foster care teenagers and young adults between the ages 14 and 22.

 “When David came to me with this idea I jumped at the chance,” said Hollywood Arts’ Executive Director, Dylan Kendall. “So many of our clients love the movie and have seen it several times. Giving them the chance to work with their heroes has a real impact on them.”

 The film’s themes also resonate deeply with many Hollywood Arts’ clients, Kendall said. The movie details the return of four young men of different races who grew up as brothers and have reunited after the killing of their mother.

 “The four brothers in the movie are united by love, not blood, a love that crosses skin color and background,” Kendall said. “Our clients often create their own families and protect each other in a way that is an inspirational lesson for us all. In talking about the movie, the clients really emphasized the importance of family and love. This movie leaves us with a really key message that many of our clients are already living.”

Both screenwriters have been strongly supportive of Hollywood Arts’ goals since the organization first began programming earlier this year, and saw the mentoring program as a unique way to contribute.

 “The theater program was never designed as just a feel-good opportunity but is actually based on real pedagogy,” said Elliot. “The classes teach concepts such as character development, conflict and metaphor while giving the participants’ confidence and creating tighter bonds and community among them. I am really happy that the movie is a part of this.”

The final “Four Brothers” performance will take place at an event space in the Hollywood Arts building at the corner of Western Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard, space provided courtesy of Advanced Business Solutions. The company provides the event space next to Hollywood Arts as fundraising continues to pay for renovations to the organization’s own space.

“I think this is an incredible idea and am really pleased to offer the event space both as a place for the youth to perform and as a small fundraiser,” said Samir Srivastava, principal of Advanced Business Solutions. “Being able to help Hollywood Arts this way is something I am happy to do.”

The “Four Brothers” performances will be staged from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm, Oct. 5 at 5500 Hollywood Blvd., adjacent to Hollywood Arts’ planned headquarters at 1671 Western Ave. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at www.hollywood-arts.org or at the door.

About Hollywood Arts

Hollywood Arts was founded to provide a range of arts classes, creative activities and job training for at-risk, runaway and homeless teenagers and young adults in the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Founded by Dylan Kendall, the organization currently is renovating classroom and office space for its programs at 1671 N. Western Ave., next to the famed Louis B. Mayer Building at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Western Avenue. The center’s website is www.hollywood-arts.org

            
Contact:                                                                                                         

Dylan Kendall                                                              

Executive Director, Hollywood Arts                          

Phone: 323.683.8678                                                    

Email:  dylan@hollywood-arts.org                                 

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