ReEntry
Programs

Reentry Programs - Supported by a variety of grants and contracts, TWP provides programs for pepole who have been incarcerated within correctional institutions and reinforces the direct impact that arts and culture have on the health, welfare, and economic well-being of all Californians.

By focusing on the principles of restorative justice, transformative justice, and reconciliation, TWP utilizes a trauma-informed arts and culture process as part of a holistic approach to supporting the successful transition of formerly incarcerated individuals back into their communities.

Lifer: Stories from the Inside/Out, implemented through TWP’s partnership with The Francisco Homes (TFH), enables a diverse group of men including those indentyings as Latino, African-American, Asian Pacific, and Caucasian, who have been paroled after serving life sentences, to share their stories through a documentary theatre process.

A series of workshops provides the participants with skill-building activities, including improvisation, writing, movement, vocal expression, and performance techniques.

The project culminates in a staged reading followed by a Second Act discussion with the audience.

TWP's partnerships with Cal State LA's Project Rebound has provided system-impacted university students with an opportunity to explore and redefine their life stories through a collaborative theatre and writing process and to create and perform original theatre pieces for a diverse audience.

Below are a few examples of theatre projects from this program.

Ascendance

Fall 2024 | Reentry Programs

A collaborative theatre piece written and performed by members of the LIFER: Stories from the Inside/Out program at The Francisco Homes.

Turning Points

JUL 30, 2024 | Reentry Programs

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Gifts

FEB 2024 | Reentry Programs

An excerpt of the performance of GIFTS, a short original theatre piece written and performed as a staged reading by residents of The Francisco Homes at Jail Guitar Doors.

Rituals

2020 | Reentry Programs

TWP Media Presents an excerpt of Rituals, a theatrical collage written and performed by members of the LIFER: Life Stories from the Inside/Out program at The Francisco Homes.

Phoenix

2020 | Reentry Programs

TWP Media Presents an excerpt of PHOENIX, a staged reading written and performed by members of the LIFER: Life Stories from the Inside/Out program at The Francisco Homes.

To.Be.Free

MAR 6, 2020 | Reentry Programs

An original theatre piece written and performed at A Noise Within by Dads Back! Academy participants.

Moving Forward
(Excerpt)

2019 | Reentry Programs

Moving Forward highlights the work of TheatreWorkers Project teaching artists and explores how art can transform, impact and enrich individuals’ lives.

Moving Forward
(Full version)

2019 | Reentry Programs

Moving Forward is a documentary short that takes a behind the scenes look at the process of creating two performances with participants from Dads Back! Academy, a re-entry program for returned citizens.

It is directed by TheatreWorkers Project Teaching Artist Marlene McCurtis, funded by a Reentry Through the Arts grant from the California Arts Council in partnership with Friends Outside in Los Angeles County.