Lawrence teens will be expected to do more than act when it comes to grappling with difficult issues and addressing real-life problems, as part of a grant-financed project at the Lawrence Arts Center.

The center will welcome a predominantly teen cast to explore socially relevant themes of teen suicide, homosexuality and sex education as they appear in “Spring Awakening,” an award-winning play by Franz Wedekind.

The play will be part of an eight-month project led by Shannon Draper, a theater director and member of the English department at Lawrence High School. Draper will moderate a blog where participating students will be able to share and discuss their experiences with the play’s topics.

Cast members also will serve as student volunteers at GaDuGi SafeCenter.

The play will be presented May 20 and 21 at the center, 940 N.H.

Anyone interested in more information about the project may contact the center at 843-2787. The center is financing the project with a $9,990 grant from the Kansas State Department of Education, Kansas Volunteer Commission and Learn and Serve America.