Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) has transformed thousands of lives by helping people in prison develop critical life skills through the arts. It is also the inspiration behind A24’s upcoming feature film, SING SING, starring Colman Domingo and a majority RTA alumni cast.
Based on RTA’s theater program, the film offers a powerful exploration of redemption, resilience, and the transformative power of the arts. Through compelling storytelling and gripping performances, SING SING sheds light on the journey of individuals within the carceral system who find hope and purpose through their involvement in RTA.
From our origin story to our impact, here are some helpful things to know about RTA to make your viewing experience of SING SING all the more meaningful.
Read this before you see the film in the theater this summer!
The Origin Story of Rehabilitation Through the Arts
In 1996, RTA Founder Katherine Vockins embarked on a journey that would change countless lives, and her own. Driven by a deep belief in the rehabilitative power of the arts, she started a small theater workshop at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Stepping into the reality of incarcerated life shattered misconceptions and stereotypes, opening Katherine’s eyes to the immense potential and humanity within those often marginalized by society. Within the confines of Sing Sing, the seeds of RTA were planted as a small group of men expressed their dreams of creating a play.
From this shared vision, RTA was born—a testament to the power of collaboration and creative expression in fostering personal growth and transformation.
Our Arts-Based Programs
At RTA, we believe in the power of creative expression to heal and transform. Our diverse range of programs includes:
Theater: Our theater program involves full-scale productions, improvisation, Shakespeare studies, play reading, script analysis, character study, and more. Theater gives members the opportunity to inhabit diverse characters and perspectives, supporting the development of empathy and providing a safe space to explore different choices and emotions.
Visual Arts: Participants in RTA’s visual art program learn art theory and history from Bosch to Banksy, and complete studio projects ranging from landscapes and self-portraits to personal logos, story boarding, and fashion design.
Dance: Teaching physical control, focus, and non-verbal communication, dance classes provide another medium for participants to express their own longing, hope, fear, and joy. It takes great courage for men to dance in prison, but RTA’s dance programs are overwhelmingly popular, filling the bleachers at every performance.
Music & Voice: Vocal and instrumental workshops, concerts, revues, and a popular songwriting workshop offer ongoing opportunities for participants to develop concrete skills and expand their capacity for self-expression.
Writing: Creative writing workshops and classes help program participants articulate their experiences and emotions. Building confidence and skills for those who may have struggled academically and supporting creative development for those ready to tackle complex emotions and histories, questions of cause and effect, identity and change.
Each of these programs creates a supportive and structured environment where participants can develop new skills, build self-esteem, and prepare for success when they return home to their communities.
Supporting Reentry
RTA’s transitional reentry program, Reimagining Myself®, is an innovative approach to reentry that uses the arts to explore the social and emotional challenges an incarcerated individual is likely to face when released.
By engaging in creative arts, writing exercises, reflection, and conversation, participants work through the difficulties they may encounter when reconnecting with family, seeking employment, and readjusting to a changed world. Emphasis is placed on gaining the confidence and courage to leave incarceration behind and build a new life. Every aspect of this Reentry Program was informed by the insight and talent of justice-impacted individuals.
Where We Work
RTA’s programs touch lives across several correctional facilities in New York State, including:
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- Bedford Hills, maximum-security women
- Collins, medium-security men
- Fishkill, medium-security men
- Green Haven, maximum-security men
- Sing Sing, maximum-security men
- Taconic, medium-security women
- Wallkill, medium-security men
- Woodbourne, medium-security men
We offer our suite of arts programming at each of these facilities. We currently offer Reimagining Myself® at Woodbourne and Wallkill.
Impact and Outcomes
RTA currently operates its comprehensive program in the above eight maximum and medium-security men’s and women’s New York State correctional facilities. Over 1000 incarcerated individuals have participated in RTA’s programs and the impact of RTA on these individuals’ lives is transformative.
Participants in RTA programs are significantly less likely to reenter the carceral system. Less than 3% of RTA members return to prison, compared to 60% nationally. When released, members reconnect with their families and strengthen their communities, breaking the cycle of incarceration.
“RTA has done more for me than any other program could. In fact, RTA gave me the confidence to tackle college. Because of RTA, I can proudly show the people in my life that I am truly ready to be the father, husband, son, brother and example that they can count on.” – RTA Alum
The RTA model provides an intensive, comprehensive program in prison that builds critical life skills so that people can meet the challenges of connecting with family and community when released. The collaborative nature of the programs enhances social skills, fostering better communication and teamwork abilities. Moreover, many participants are inspired to pursue further education, driven by the confidence and skills they gain through their involvement in the arts.
Get Involved
Rehabilitation Through the Arts thrives on the generosity and support of individuals like you. Here’s how you can make a difference:
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- Subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about our programs and impact.
- Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and Facebook and help spread awareness about the organization.
- Donate to RTA to advocate for the expansion of our programs.
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As anticipation builds for the release of SING SING this July, new and existing RTA fans can look forward to a cinematic experience that not only entertains but inspires reflection, dialogue, and action.
Through the lens of RTA’s transformative work, this film promises to leave a lasting impression on hearts and minds alike!
