Incarcerated actors achieve success through performance
Actors behind bars showed off their acting chops through a series of short performances that allowed emotions to shine through on stage, performing for their families and correctional staff at the California Institution for Men in Chino on July 17. The Warden — and others attending on Facility C — welcomed The Actors’ Gang Prison Project performance, according to CDCR.
“It is great to see incarcerated persons express their emotions through their acting performances,” Warden John Merchant said.
TAGPP was established in 2006 to provide theater arts programming in prisons and reentry facilities. It is a partnership of currently and formerly incarcerated participants, alumni, thespians, and staff, CDCR said.
The theatrics provide a unique experience to incarcerated adults and youth — as well as returning citizens — in reentry programs. Their goal is to develop the emotional intelligence and life awareness skills necessary to navigate the long road ahead for incarcerated persons.
TAGPP’s inaugural class of 2006 at Avenal State Prison included 18 lifers among the original 25 participants. The Board of Prison Terms has found suitable for parole 17 of the 18 of lifers. Of the original 25 participants, 22 have returned to their communities.
CDCR says that TAGPP participants have done well for themselves. Disciplinary incidents have declined by an astonishing 89%, recidivism has stabilized at 10.6%, and a study found a 77% post-incarceration employment rate for participants.
TAGPP’s stylized approach to rehabilitation through performing arts has established a supportive community, offering participants relapse-prevention tools and amplifying the voices of people with the courage to bring their acting abilities from the cage to the stage in California prisons.
