Created as part of the 52nd Street's Playback series, Run for Your Lives pairs children from Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood with theatre professionals to develop and perform the original work penned by the young playwright.

The resulting works are presented in free public readings Oct. 24 at 7:30 PM, and Oct. 25 at 3 PM and 7:30 PM and Oct. 26 at 3 PM.

Among the theatre artists participating are Brad Aldous, Lauren Blumenfeld, Kevin Dwyer, Reg Flowers, Christine Grenier, Annie Henk, Alexis McGuinness and Josh Moody. Music featured in the one-acts was penned by Loren Toolajian.

Willie Reale founded the 52nd Street Project in 1981 to improve the quality of life for New York's inner-city children who live in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood. Through programs and partnerships with theatre professionals, the 52nd Street Project reaches out to local children by creating theatrical projects tailored to their experiences.

Among the professionals who have shared their talents with the 52nd Street Project are Fred Armisen, Mia Barron, John Conlee, Billy Crudup, Angel Desai, Edie Falco, Jessica Hecht, Frances McDormand, Cynthia Nixon, James Naughton, Sarah Ramirez, Jon Stewart, Mary Louise Wilson, Sam Waterston and Frank Wood. The mission of the 52nd Street Project states, "The Project is not about teaching children to act, although they will learn to. It is not about teaching them to write plays, although they will learn that as well. What it is about is giving a kid an experience of success. It is about giving a kid an opportunity to prove that he or she has something of value to offer, something that comes from within that he or she alone possesses, something that cannot be taken away."

Admission for Run for Your Lives is free, but reservations are required and available by calling (212) 642-5052. The Axis Theatre Company is located at 1 Sheridan Square in Manhattan.

For more information visit www.52project.org.