Al Letson, who spent a summer running a writing program for disadvantaged kids, ran into a few challenges.

"This ain't school!" a skeptical kid challenges.

If you go A Summer in Sanctuary runs at Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St., through March 2. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10-$20. Call 410-752-8558 or go to theatreproject.org.