SING SING & RTA

Q: How are the arts a vehicle for rehabilitation?

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.

Q: Is it true that the majority of the cast are RTA alums?

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.

Q: How does RTA strengthen families?

RTA helps participants rebuild relationships by strengthening communication, emotional awareness, and accountability. Through creative work, individuals learn to express themselves more openly and reconnect with loved ones in meaningful ways. These skills help rebuild trust, deepen understanding, and support stronger, healthier family relationships during incarceration and beyond.

Based on RTA’s theater program, Oscar nominated SING SING is a powerful portrayal of the life changing impact of RTA. Join our movement to break the cycle of incarceration.

JOIN OUR MOVEMENT TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF INCARCERATION

Founded at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in 1996, RTA has provided arts-based workshops to thousands of incarcerated men and women, transforming lives and breaking the cycle of incarceration with proven results: less than 3% of RTA members return to prison, compared to 60% nationally.

SING SING, nominated for three Oscars and currently streaming, is a testament to the life-changing impact of our programs. Join our movement to break the cycle of incarceration—every dollar brings us closer to offering hope, growth, and a path to a brighter future for those we serve.

You can break the cycle by transforming a life today.

IMPACT OF RTA IN PRISON

<3%

Less than 3% of RTA members return to prison, compared to 60% nationally

1,000+

1,000 incarcerated individuals have participated in RTA’s programs

$1.5B

State savings when recidivism is reduced by 10%—RTA’s proven impact saves taxpayers

While the US prison system is based on punishment, RTA continually demonstrates that an approach based on human dignity has a great and much-needed impact.

We use the arts as a tool to support emotional, social, and cognitive growth. Through the process, RTA participants gain critical life skills and agency, so they may change their lives while in prison and find success personally and professionally when released.

RTA’s compelling theatrical performances are extraordinary opportunities for the public to witness the talent and humanity behind prison walls, and for families to see the effort their loved ones are making to improve their lives.

About the Film

SING SING is the inspiring story of RTA alum John “Divine G” Whitfield (Colman Domingo), who finds purpose by acting in RTA’s Sing Sing Correctional Facility theater group alongside RTA alum Clarence Maclin, who plays himself. This is a stirring portrayal of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art starring an unforgettable ensemble cast of formerly incarcerated RTA participants.

“We’ve worked on this movie for over seven years, and every time I meet a new RTA participant or alumnus, I grow more confident that this is one of the most unique and transformative programs that I’ve ever encountered.”

– Greg Kwedar, Director of Sing Sing

FEATURED CAST AND CREW

Colman Domingo

Principal Cast, Executive Producer

Colman’s character, Divine G, is based on RTA alum John Whitfield.

Clarence Maclin

Principal Cast, Executive Producer

Clarence, an RTA alum, portrays himself as Divine Eye in the film.

Paul Raci

Principal Cast

Paul’s character is based on real-life RTA teaching artist Brent Buell.

Sean San José

Principal Cast

Sean plays Divine G’s best friend Mike Mike. He and Colman Domingo have collaborated for nearly 30 years.

Sean Dino Johnson

Supporting Cast

Sean is on RTA’s board of directors. He plays himself as a member of the theater troupe in the film.

John “Divine G” Whitfield

Cameo, Executive Producer

John is an RTA alum and the real person Colman Domingo portrays in the film.

Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez

Supporting Cast

JJ is a criminal legal reform activist who was wrongfully convicted. He works closely with RTA and makes a cameo appearance in the film.

Greg Kwedar

Director, Writer, Producer

Greg was compelled to write a story based on RTA after volunteering as a teaching artist for the program at Green Haven Correctional Facility.

Clint Bentley

Writer, Producer

Clint co-wrote the film with Greg and also volunteered as an RTA teaching artist at Green Haven Correctional Facility.

Monique Walton

Producer

Monique is an independent producer. She recently won Film Independent’s Producer Award.

SUPPORTING &
BACKGROUND ROLES

Katherine Vockins, RTA Founder
Cecily Lyn, RTA Teaching Artist
Michael Capra, former Superintendent of Sing Sing Correctional Facility
Joanna Chen, RTA Teaching Artist
James E Williams, Big E, RTA Alum
Cornell “Nate” Alston, RTA Alum
David “Dap” Giraudy, RTA Alum
Patrick “Preme” Griffin, RTA Alum
Camillo “Carmine” Lovocco, RTA Alum
Miguel Valentin, RTA Alum
Dario Peña, RTA Alum
Mosi Eagle, RTA Alum
Pedro Cotto, RTA Alum
Johnny Simmons
Sharon Washington

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How are the arts a vehicle for rehabilitation?

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.

Is it true that the majority of the cast are RTA alums?

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.

How does RTA strengthen families?

RTA helps participants rebuild relationships by strengthening communication, emotional awareness, and accountability. Through creative work, individuals learn to express themselves more openly and reconnect with loved ones in meaningful ways. These skills help rebuild trust, deepen understanding, and support stronger, healthier family relationships during incarceration and beyond.

Arts Workshops

INNOVATIVE REENTRY

Alumni Engagement