Many theatres and arts institutions recognize the transformative effect creative outlets can have on those in the criminal justice system. In 2014, the Prison Arts Resource Project cited over 48 studies, many revealing increases in inmates’ social behavior and self-esteem. Here’s a list of some of theatres and projects across the country that have made it their responsibility to fight for offender rehabilitation through arts programs, in-prison theatre companies, and more:
The Actors’ Gang Prison Project
Culver City, Calif.
(310) 838-4264
And Still We Rise
Boston
(857) 719-3884
The Artistic Ensemble
San Quentin, Calif.
Arts in Prison
Overland Park, Kan.
(913) 403-0229
The Bridging Boundaries Intervention Program
Judy Dworin Performance Project
Hartford, Conn.
California Arts in Corrections
Sacramento, Calif.
(916) 322-6371
Children’s Prison Arts Project
Harris County, Texas
(713) 520-7661
Engaged Theatre Residencies
Freehold Theatre Lab/Studio
Seattle
(206) 323-7499
Ensemble Play in Cook County Jail (EPIC)
Piven Theatre Workshop
Evanston, Ill.
(847) 866-6597
Out of the Yard
Playwrights Project
San Diego, Calif.
(858) 384-2970
Pelican Bay Prison Project
Dell’Arte International
Blue Lake, Calif.
(707) 668-5663
Phoenix Players Theatre Group
Auburn, N.Y.
Prison Arts Project
The William James Association
Santa Cruz, Calif.
(831) 607-8952
Prison Performing Arts
St. Louis
(314) 289-4190
The Redeeming Time Project
Minneapolis
Reflecting Shakespeare
The Old Globe, San Diego
(619) 231-1941
Reforming Arts
Atlanta
(678) 689-8263
Rehabilitation Through the Arts
Purchase, N.Y.
(914) 232-7566
Serving Life
Hidden Voices
Cedar Grove, N.C.
Shakespeare Behind Bars
The Shakespeare Theatre Association
Macatawa, Mich.
Shakespeare in Prison
Marin Shakespeare Company
San Rafael, Calif.
(415) 499-1492
Shakespeare in Prisons
Detroit Public Theatre
Shakespeare Prison Project
Kenosha, Wisc.
Shakespeare in the Courts
Shakespeare & Co.
Lenox, Mass.
(413) 637-1199
Shakespeare in the Courts Chicago
Invictus Theatre Co Chicago
(773) 570-0649
Shining Light Ministries
Annville, Pa.
(717) 867-5472
Stargate Theatre
New York City
(212) 399-3000
Stella Adler Studio of Acting at Rikers Island
New York City
(212) 689-0087
Storycatchers Theatre
Chicago
(312) 280-4772
Ten Thousand Things Theatre Company
Minneapolis
(612) 203-9502
Transforming Kids Behind Bars
Each One, Reach One
San Francisco
(650) 225-9030
Voices Unbarred
Washington, D.C.
(571) 357-2049
An earlier version of this article misstated the location of Rehabilitation Through the Arts. The programs headquarters are in Purchase, N.Y.
