If you aren't sure how talented Bermudian teenagers are, read the writing on the wall.

That's the message from three teenagers who are organising a youth talent show for next Saturday.

Sacha Dill, 17, Janaesha West, 18, and Jalesa Young, 19, who call themselves SJ2 Productions, are organising The Writing on The Wall.

The show is a fund-raising effort so the girls can spend a year with the American theatrical group Up With People.

Up With People is a travelling group that aims to make a positive impact on the world through education, community service and positive messages aimed at young people.

"The Writing on the Wall is a local show to broadcast local teen artists and performers," said Miss West.

Miss Dill said when it came to music like rap, you didn't hear much about Bermuda's youngest artists.

"You always hear about Collie Buddz, Little Wayne, and so forth," she said. "It is time for young people to make a name for themselves."

The show's name is inspired by the name of the girls' dance group, Graffiti Dance Crew.

Miss West said that although the word graffiti could have negative connotations, they meant it in a positive way.

"It is about self-expression," she said.

Cousins Miss West and Miss Young started the group with their friends last January.

"I am hip-hop based," said Miss West. "One of us is into ballet and the other is modern. We like to clash it together."

There are currently 20 members in the group. There are no auditions.

"Members of our group start from the bottom and work their way up to the top," said Miss Dill. "If you have no confidence, then we help to build your confidence up."

Miss Dill compared local talent to a brick wall.

"We have a lot of local artists," she said. "Like bricks in a wall, not every brick is the same. A lot of people have different talents. Once you put your talents together it gives the individuality to the brick wall. The youth of today are the foundation of that wall."

The three hope to raise more than $15,000 each to attend Up With People.

The money raised will go to Up with People costumes, travel, room and board among other things.

"Up with People found us," said Miss West. "When they were in Bermuda last year for the 400th anniversary, they came to see our dance group practise. They invited us to do community service with them, and be in their show.

"They suggested we apply to perform with Up with People. Everyone in the group applied and got accepted."

Since then they have been doing a number of different fund-raising activities including car washes and bake sales to raise the necessary funds.

"We thought we would put something fun together for ages 12 and up," said Miss Young. " It is a good experience for everyone who thinks that they can't do anything. We tell them that they can do things. They come to our group and we have fun.

"We put on shows on holidays and special events such as May 24th, and the Christmas parade. With any other activity they want us to do we just jump on board."

Miss West said a lot of their friends were into singing, dancing and acting.

"We wanted to branch out to them," she said. "They were like 'cool'."

The parents of the three girls can give you the exact figure needed to be raised down to the penny.

"They have an opportunity to apply for scholarships with Up with People" said Mrs. Young. "It is no guarantee. That is a chance they have to take, so any sponsorship helps.

"Some of the girls have been working jobs to raise the money. Sacha has a job as a hairdresser's assistant, and she works at a summer camp."

Miss Young said she had learned a lot from the process.

"I have learned, don't procrastinate," she said.

Miss West said she had learned to take risks.

"I have learned, when it comes to sponsorship, don't be afraid to ask. If you don't ask, you'll never know.

"I just want everyone to know why we really want to go with Up With People.

"We want to show people that you are not limited to Bermuda. You could actually go out and do something different. Don't be scared to step outside your box."

She said they hope to come back after Up With People to share their experiences with people in Bermuda.

Miss Young hopes to one day study business administration and culinary arts at the Bermuda College.

"I love to cook a lot of pasta," she said. "I am very good at cooking pasta. I might be an Italian chef."

Miss West said she wanted to study computer science, but was also an aspiring song writer.

Miss Dill hoped to study hairdressing, and also business administration to become an accountant.

The Writing on the Wall is on at Ruth Seaton James Auditorium at CedarBridge Academy on July 23 at 8 p.m. The doors open at 7 p.m. It is for all ages.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and $50 for patrons. Tickets are available at Nu Life Fashion on Dundonald Street, or contact Sharon Young at 535-1463 or Janell Smith at 338-8300.