S.O.S. Players

The S.O.S. Story

SOS began in 1990 as a non-profit traveling teen acting troupe of 20 actors that educate youth in communities throughout western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota. June Erdman was the first Executive Director and the Founder. The first Artistic Director was Greg Lanier. He dedicated a lot of time and talent to the organization. In the first year they performed 33 shows, mostly in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The founding troupe was determined to start a tradition of integrity, and created a declaration of responsibility called "the contract." In later years that contract was revised and renamed the Code of Ethics, and stands today as the guiding rule for every member of the troupe. Every teen member signs the code and promises to abide by it. Its requirements include:

  • Remaining drug, alcohol, and tobacco free;

  • Maintaining all family and social obligations; and

  • Maintaining scholastic standards (as established by SOS).

SOS volunteers and staff work with the teens to support them in their promise to uphold the code. The peer-based approach is key to S.O.S.' success, and teen members are expected to take the code seriously.

Today the troupe boasts audiences totaling well over one million in nearly two decades of service, as well as an ambitious staff of both paid and volunteer workers in both the Hudson, WI, and Twin Cities areas. SOS performs up to 150 shows annually throughout mostly the Midwest.

With nearly two decades of success emanating from Hudson, S.O.S. For Youth builds on their strong history with the addition of a second full cast of actors based at the Landmark Center's Weyerhauser Auditorium. Exuberant and contagiously energetic teen actors focus on educating their peers in relaxed and stress-free settings. SOS performs in churches, schools, at conferences and conventions – any place in the Midwest where youth and families gather – sharing information and perspectives on serious topics and social issues that are culturally relevant. SOS teens teach teens how to make wise life-long choices.

S.O.S. For Youth is committed to helping teens understand they have choices in life, and their choices do affect others. Through the powerful medium of drama, the S.O.S. Players help young people feel hopeful about the future, empowered to affect its outcome, and informed about resources they can access.

As teens themselves, the SOS Players casts have a strong impact on their peers with ever-positive and educational messages that can reach hurting, searching — and even hardened — teens. Each cast member commits (in writing) to maintaining a lifestyle that is consistent with the message and mission of the S.O.S. For Youth.

Contact S.O.S. For Youth soon to schedule a life-changing and truly educational performance!