Alumni Engagement
From Members to Movement
Many RTA alumni pursue careers in social services, carceral reform, the arts, and work with at-risk youth and more, paying forward the skills developed in RTA, and furthering the role of the arts in justice and rehabilitation. Several have joined RTA’s Board of Directors and helped shape the organization’s strategic direction.
Alumni engagement isn’t a footnote to the program. It’s where RTA’s work extends beyond the wall.
“My daughter was born at the same time I was rehearsing my first play for RTA, a production of Cyrano de Bergerac. The experience of preparing for a part, rehearsing with members and performing in front of an audience allowed me to understand what responsibility was, what accountability was, what patience was.
Through this experience with RTA, I understood that I could transfer those skills into becoming a good father. I was incarcerated at 16 years old and spent my adolescence and some of my adulthood in prison. While incarcerated, the arts gave me confidence in myself and a foundation where I knew I could be the best father to my daughter. And when I came home, my daughter and I connected immediately. We played with puppets and dolls and played make believe together. We bonded.“
— José, RTA alumnus
How RTA Alumni Stay Connected
Perform and create
Alumni-led productions, readings, and collaborations — from benefit performances to gallery exhibitions.
Advocate and represent
Alumni meet with elected officials, speak at community events, and represent the voices of those still inside.
Mentor and lead
Many alumni mentor the next generation of RTA members and launch their own community and justice-centered initiatives.
The Sing Sing film
The Oscar-nominated film Sing Sing, starring Colman Domingo, is based on RTA’s theater program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility — and features RTA alumni cast members playing versions of themselves.
For many alumni, the film brought national recognition to work that has been transforming lives for decades.
“We all knew about the humanity and greatness stagnating behind the wall, but it was important to let the world know. The Sing Sing movie shines a light on the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility for change, without the stereotypes that often define prison life.“
— Sean Dino Johnson, RTA alumnus, board member, and Sing Sing cast member
Are you an RTA Alumnus?
Stay in Touch!
We’d love to stay in touch. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with the RTA community, participate in upcoming alumni events, or share what you’ve been working on — we want to hear from you.