The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1966, that is a cultural force for the Arts in Southwest Michigan. Serving arts organizations, individual artists and arts lovers of all disciplines, their mission is accomplished through arts management services, grant programs, education, fiscal sponsorships, advocacy, and event promotion. The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo also produces and presents a summer concert series, All Ears Theatre (radio theatre with original and vintage radio scripts), and United Teens Talent, a workshop and performance of musical theatre and variety acts helping underserved youth experience the theatre process while building positive relationships. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ United Teens Talent was established out of concern for teens during the summer months, when they have a significant amount of idle time. These teens are part of a demographic that is particularly vulnerable to violence, crime, drugs, alcohol and injurious relationships. Called "diamonds in the rough", the teens lack access to professional coaching, organized rehearsal, and the level of performance values that are taken for granted by participants at area theatres. Through developing the attributes of acceptance, cooperation, discipline, and working towards achieving a goal, United Teens Talent gives youngsters the gift of learning to look beyond current circumstances to plan a future full of personal and professional success.