What started with a series of letters became a powerful story about the impact of the arts inside prison.
Recently, NY1’s On Stage visited Bedford Hills Correctional Facility to spotlight Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) and the women preparing to perform Sister Act. The visit came after participants wrote to actress and television host Whoopi Goldberg, inviting her to attend the production. Her response: “I promise you… I’ll see you soon.”
The feature follows the women as they rehearse, collaborate, and bring the musical to life through RTA’s theater program. Founded at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in 1996, RTA uses the arts to help incarcerated individuals build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and foster personal growth through theater, music, dance, writing, and visual arts.
The story also highlights the broader attention RTA has received in recent years, including through the acclaimed film SING SING, which introduced many new audiences to the organization’s work.
Among those in attendance at the Bedford Hills performance was two-time Tony Award winner Victoria Clark, who originated the role of Mother Superior in the Broadway production of Sister Act. Inspired by SING SING, she wanted to experience the program firsthand.
For NY1 host Frank DiLella, the visit became a reminder of the unique role the arts can play in creating connection, purpose, and opportunity. The feature captures not only the performance itself, but also the dedication, creativity, and community that make productions like Sister Act possible.
We’re grateful to NY1 and the On Stage team for helping share the stories of the women at Bedford Hills and the impact of arts programming behind the walls.
Watch the full feature to see RTA in action.
P.S. If this story moves you, please consider making a gift to help more people discover their voice, their purpose, and their future through the arts.
