SING SING & RTA

The arts do not depend on academic education or other prerequisites—anyone can participate. The arts are experiential and non-judgmental—there is no one correct answer. The arts develop the ability to see the world from different perspectives, encourage positive risk-taking, and allow for the discovery of hidden skills and talents.

The arts provide a bridge toward development in other areas. Over 40% of men and women incarcerated in New York State prisons enter the system without a high school diploma. RTA builds the skills and confidence that motivate people in prison to pursue additional education that leads to success in the workplace—the ability to communicate, set goals, solve problems and work collaboratively.

Yes, indeed! The majority of the cast members are RTA alums. One of the most remarkable aspects of Sing Sing is its authentic portrayal of people who have experienced the profound impact of RTA firsthand. The filmmakers were determined to cast as much of this film with the people who really lived it. It wasn’t just a philosophical choice, it was a recognition of the immense talent and pathos of the alumni from RTA.

Absolutely. Colman Domingo plays John “Divine G” Whitfield, one of the founding RTA members at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. In 1995, Whitfield joined the group that became RTA, and began participating heavily. In addition to his novel writing, he wrote many plays, several of which were performed by RTA over the years.

Paul Raci plays Brent Buell, a playwright and theater director, who had volunteered with the RTA program at Sing Sing for more than 10 years. At the behest of his Sing Sing students, Buell wrote and directed Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code, the production portrayed in the movie.

A continued mantra among RTA participants, alumni and teaching artists is Trust the Process—this film brings that statement to life as it shows how the program allows participants to find their agency, their voice, their talents and their own and others’ humanity. Hundreds of RTA alumni come to our program at a turning point in their time in prison and through RTA’s support and resources, most participants lead productive lives after release, gain family, sustain employment, build successful careers, and maintain a healthy family life.

RTA’s program has created remarkable results for its participants: while the national rate for people returning to prison after incarceration was over 60%, less than 3% of RTA participants return to prison.

After experiencing the profound journey of Sing Sing, viewers can continue to support RTA’s mission by spreading awareness about the organization by subscribing to our newsletter, following us on Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.

Viewers can advocate for the expansion of RTA by making a donation.