- Rehabilitation through the arts Johnson is also a multi-talented emerging actor who recently appeared in Sing Sing, the feature film based on his actual RTA participation; is the star of the short film, Behind These Walls (2022); is featured in Transitioning to the 1970s, Whitfield, proficient in acting, singing, and acrobatic dance, enrolled in the High School for Performing Arts with aspirations of pursuing acting. Thank you for making space [] Journal A New Chapter at RTA. A space where rehabilitation, mental health improvement and skill development unite through the medium of creativity. This mantra encapsulates the transformative journey that our programs foster, emphasizing that the path to change is as significant as the change itself. Rehabilitation Through the Arts is the subject of the Oscar-nominated "Sing Sing. RTA’s transformative arts programs break the cycle of incarceration by empowering individuals in prison to discover their potential, rebuild their lives, and make a positive impact in their communities. Theater is central to RTA’s program. EIN for payable organization: 13-4112770 Close. , and now operates in five men’s and women’s prisons. Sing Sing. How theater can break the cycle of incarceration 10:24. " Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) is a member of the Initiative to Accelerate Charitable Giving and a New York-based nonprofit that helps people in prison develop critical life skills through the arts, modeling an approach to the justice system based on human dignity rather than punishment. Mellon Foundation to expand capacity, add two new facilities and support the Reentry Toolkit project Welcomed home 26 members at our annual Unlocked captures the unsparingly honest stories of formerly incarcerated men and women who participated in RTA’s prison arts program. In his At Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), we do more than inspire creativity—we lay the foundation for success beyond prison walls. It is also the inspiration behind A24’s upcoming feature film, SING SING, starring Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), on inmate participation in voluntary educational programs. About Arts in Corrections → ARTS in corrections Creative expression is freeing. Support RTA. Excitement is brewing as A24’s Sing Sing, the highly anticipated feature film based RTA’s theater program starring Oscar nominees Colman Domingo and Paul Raci, gears up for its national release this summer. For almost 200 years, a grim monument to the theory that Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) 26 Sep 2024. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a prison art rehabilitation program, Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), on inmate participation in voluntary educational programs. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on January 23, 2025 that SING SING has been nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Actor in a Leading Role — Colman Domingo A unique, comprehensive in-prison arts program which teaches critical life skills. It was born in 1996 after a group of incarcerated men at RTA helps people in prison develop critical life skills through the arts, modeling an approach to the justice system based on human dignity rather than punishment. " With the help of organizations like Rehabilitation Through the Arts, or RTA, that number plummets to about five percent. RTA members use their time productively in prison, and when released reconnect SDJ: What ultimately prepared me for this film was the fact that I studied theater for over a decade and RTA (Rehabilitation Through the Arts) back when it first started. The organization’s volunteer facilitators lead workshops in theater, dance, writing and more. The A24 film SING SING brings to life the powerful stories of several Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) alumni who have used the arts to transform their lives and challenge assumptions and perceptions about New Rehabilitation Through the Arts head: 'A full heart moment' After the Flatbush, Brooklyn, native's release in 2020, Archer joined RTA's board of directors. BREAKING THE CYCLE OF INCARCERATION. Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) is a world leader in arts-in-prison programming. Prison arts Founded at Sing Sing in 1996, and now operating at eight correctional facilities across New York State, Rehabilitation Through the Arts is one of several theatre programs that have set out to Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) Non-profit Organizations PURCHASE, NY 830 followers RTA helps people in prison develop life skills, modeling an approach based on dignity over punishment. RTA participants were compared to Strengthening rehabilitation through arts and culture . Based on the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison, the film centers on a group of incarcerated men involved in the creation of theatrical stage shows through the program. Address. org. Co-Creator and presenter of classes (with Phyllis Ross): Rehabilitation Through The Arts (RTA) uses the transformative power of the arts to help people in prison develop skills to unlock their potential & succeed in the larger community. RTA teaches communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and other critical life skills through a unique mix of art forms. “To be a part of their lives, to have them a part of my life," he said. With the help of organizations like Rehabilitation Through the Arts, or RTA, that number plummets to about Colman Domingo's new movie 'Sing Sing' shines a spotlight on the real-life theater program Rehabilitation Through the Arts, which operates in maximum-security prisons in New York and models “an Transform Lives Through the Power of the Arts. Last week, I stepped into the role of Executive Director at RTA, and I’m Throughout prisons across the UK and Ireland, a revolutionary movement is taking place through prison art programmes, showcasing the transformative power of art rehabilitation. Blog Programs and This is the Rehabilitation Through Arts (RTA) programme, in which prisoners are given purpose and expression through the performing arts. To support the work of Rehabilitation Through the Arts, call them at 914-251-7540, email them at info@rta-arts. Moore was a formerly incarcerated person himself, who discovered RTA while serving 17 years at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, New York. The Rehabilitation Through the Arts program is designed to develop life skills, and the recidivism rate for participants is dramatically lower than the national average. And he came around and he experimented, and By bringing people together to watch SING SING and discuss the power of the arts in prison, you’ve helped expand this conversation beyond the screen. Favorite. RTA’s ongoing success is proof that restorative, cost effective programming works. The film is an accurate representation of the transformation that happens to the incarcerated people who join our programs and have a desire to change, but need the vehicle, encouragement, and support to do so. However, his aspirations were disrupted in 1988 when he was unjustly arrested for a homicide. Watchlist. Meet the Divines, two alumni who starred in a movie inspired by Rehabilitation Through The Arts (RTA) uses the transformative power of the arts to help people in prison develop skills to unlock their potential & succeed in the larger community. Founded at Sing Sing in 1996, RTA operates a wide-ranging arts program in New York State prisons in the Hudson Valley, serving over 200 incarcerated men & women. RTA offers year-round workshops in theater, dance, music, creative writing, and visual arts in six New York State When released, members reconnect with their families and strengthen their communities, breaking the cycle of incarceration. Mr. A program based in the New York prison system that helps prisoners develop critical life skills through the arts, modeling an approach to the justice system based on human dignity rather than punishment. 8m people incarcerated in the US. 13-4112770. Less than 5% of RTA members return to prison, compared to the national recidivism rate of 60%. RTA Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Lives Through Art RTA was founded at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in 1996. 10/10. 25 years later, RTA has grown into a robust prison arts program in New York with hundreds of The critically acclaimed film SING SING returns to theaters nationwide on January 17th — find a screening near you. A new production is being scripted by course mentor Brent (Sound of Metal’s Paul Raci) – a barmy time-jumping play that will blend elements of Shakespeare and pantomime. Sing Sing is a 2023 American prison drama film directed by Greg Kwedar and written by Clint Bentley and Kwedar. RTA is a creative arts program operating in multiple maximum and medium The production was made possible by the nonprofit Rehabilitation Through the Arts, or RTA. Hear more here. From theater to visual arts, music, dance, and writing, RTA’s arts programs build critical skills Educational achievement has been shown to be negatively correlated with recidivism among those released from prison (Nuttall, Hollmen, and Staley, 2003). RTA members use their time productively in prison, and when released reconnect with their families and strengthen their At Rehabilitation Through the Arts, one phrase resonates deeply among participants, alumni, and teaching artists alike: Trust the Process. Celebrating Katherine Vockins, Founder of Rehabilitation Through the Arts. Scholars and Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) helps people in prison develop critical life skills through the arts, modeling an approach to the justice system based on human dignity rather than punishment. from the State University of New York/Purchase College—a testament to her enduring commitment to social change through the arts. Nationwide, over 60% of people return to prison within three years of release. Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) helps people in prison develop critical life skills through the arts, modeling an approach to the justice system based on human dignity rather than punishment. 20, 2025. Data analyses revealed that (1)there was a trend towards more RTA participants SING SING is now available for purchase on select streaming platforms! Bring the transformative power of the arts home and experience the incredible true stories of RTA program participants—brought to life with critically acclaimed performances from Colman Domingo, RTA alum Clarence Maclin, and more. Performing Arts (A60) IRS filing requirement. RTA participants were compared to a sample of incarcerated men matched on age, ethnicity, crime, date of entry into prison, time served, and earliest release date. NTEE code info. Rehabilitation Through The Arts is the lead program of Prison Communities International, Inc. 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star. Dear RTA Community, We’re about to embark on a journey together. For almost 200 years, a grim monument to the theory that harsh discipline discourages former inmates from returning 4,986 Followers, 1,392 Following, 1,028 Posts - RTA (@rta_arts) on Instagram: "Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) helps people in prison develop life skills, modeling an approach based on dignity over punishment. 735 Anderson Hill Road Purchase, NY 10577 Rehabilitation Through the Arts’ approach is not just to make people better dancers, writers or painters, but to teach life lessons through a creative medium: Dancing helps members challenge gender stereotypes, visual art improves observation, and improvisational acting teaches you how to make decisions under pressure. The programme provides music and voice classes, acting programmes and visual The new A24 movie ‘Sing Sing,’ starring Colman Domingo and Paul Raci, tells the real-life story of prison theater program Rehabilitation Through the Arts — with alumni playing themselves RTA helps people in prison develop critical life skills through the arts, modeling an approach to the justice system based on human dignity rather than punishment. He considers this role a full circle moment twenty years in the making. Data analyses revealed that (1)there was a trend towards more RTA participants Dear RTA Community, We’re about to embark on a journey together. Reimagining Myself® is By bringing people together to watch SING SING and discuss the power of the arts in prison, you’ve helped expand this conversation beyond the screen. " A shining example of these transformative benefits can be found at the Sing Sing correctional facility in New York, which has implemented a programme known as Rehabilitation Through The Arts (RTA). RTA teaches communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and other critical life skills through a unique Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) RTA uses the transformative power of the arts to help people in prison develop skills to unlock their potential and succeed in the larger community. Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization [1] founded by Katherine Vockins in 1996 in Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, New York. EIN. It vividly That production marked the beginning of Rehabilitation Through the Arts (formerly, The Theater Workshop), a nonprofit program that is now active in eight prisons across the state of New York Transform Lives Through the Power of the Arts A24’s hit film Sing Sing is a testament to the life-changing impact of RTA’s programs. The film offers a different model for criminal justice, emphasizing life skills that lead to success after prison. ” 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. Arts education is an essential tool for healthy human development and lifelong learning that must be made To support Rehabilitation Through the Arts. Sign in or create an account to view Form(s) 990 for 2023, 2022 and 2021. Theater. Personal accounts by inmates and corrections staff, as well as statistical data about successful inmate rehabilitation through the arts demonstrate that programs fostering creativity are effective as both rehabilitation and therapy. Becoming an RTA teaching artist is not a casual process. "For them to share their experiences, to be vulnerable, to take the risk in Charles Moore is Director of Operations and Alumni Coordinator of RTA (Rehabilitation Through the Arts), which provides art workshops in correctional facilities throughout New York state. Far from being just pastimes, these initiatives act as lifelines offering SING SING continues to collect acclaim for its beautiful and authentic portrayal of the power of arts in prison programs to transform lives. RTA aims to help incarcerated individuals develop life skills, RTA is a nonprofit organization that uses the arts to help people in prison develop critical life skills and reduce recidivism. Last week, I stepped into the role of Executive Director at RTA, and I’m Sing Sing Correctional Facility is 40 miles and a world away from New York City. Y. Yet, for Katherine, the true fulfillment lies in the relationships forged with hundreds of RTA participants and alumni—individuals who, through their journey Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), on inmate participation in voluntary educational programs. Criminal background checks, orientation, fingerprinting, and yearly TB tests are required by New York State. Reimagining Myself® Prison Rehabilitation Programs. Workshops on improvisation, Shakespeare studies, Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) has transformed thousands of lives by helping people in prison develop critical life skills through the arts. In fact, the program wasn Rehabilitation Through the Arts, one of several arts-based programs that work with New York’s incarcerated population, was founded in 1996 by Katherine Vockins in Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, N. Follow Followed Like By Zak Wojnar. Rehabilitation Through the Arts dates back to the mid-’90s and was initially known as The Theater Workshop, recall Johnson and Whitfield, two of the founding members. Last week, I stepped into the role of Executive Director at RTA, and I’m honored to introduce myself to the incredible individuals—our alumni, teaching artists, supporters, and partners—who make this work possible. Jermaine Archer, the new head of the Purchase-based Rehabilitation Through the Arts, photographed Feb. That pretty much equipped A new four-part documentary series premiering November 23 spotlights the stories of several men close to our hearts here at Rehabilitation Through the Arts. Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) helps incarcerated people develop life skills through the arts, modeling an approach to the justice system based on human dignity, rather than RTA members use their time productively in prison, and when released reconnect with their families and strengthen their communities, breaking a generational cycle. Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) is a non-profit organization that offers art workshops in prisons in New York State. The classes are based on semester-long themes, and involve a multi-arts approach, with writing, drama, design, singing and musical composition. About RTA: Rehabilitation Through the Arts real-life nonprofit organization on which the SING SING is based. RTA brings art workshops in theatre, music, dance, visual arts, writing and poetry behind the walls to over 230 incarcerated individuals [2] and operates in ten maximum and medium security The national average rate of recidivism among prison inmates hovers above 60 percent. RTA’s ongoing success is proof that A unique, comprehensive in-prison arts program which teaches critical life skills. In 2005, Jermaine saw his first RTA production while incarcerated at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Launched at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in 1996, Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) is a. Founded at Sing Sing in 1996 914-251-7540 info@rta-arts. The movie SING SING brings this mantra to life. Launched at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in 1996, RTA is a world leader in arts-in-prison programming. There are 1. RTA 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 2. rta-arts. RTA Program Director Joe Giardina spoke with HMM's Correspondent Andrea Cunliffe about the transformative power of the arts using workshops in theatre, music, dance, visual arts, writing, Sing Sing Actors Sean "Dino" Johnson & Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez On Rehabilitation Through The Arts. Published Jul 15, 2024. Jermaine Archer is a dedicated advocate for criminal legal reform and was recently appointed to the position of Executive Director for Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA). org or visit their website: www. Register now. As buzz continues to grow, fans are eager to learn more about this groundbreaking film, especially its ties to Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), an innovative Drafted by director Greg Kwedar and co-writer Clint Bentley, ‘Sing Sing’ is an actual account of events surrounding the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York — formerly known as Ossining Correctional Facility — at 354 Hunter Street in Ossining, Westchester County. [4] It stars professional actors Colman "The arts can provide a refuge and a pathway to fundamental change. Communication. This week we sat down to chat with RTA’s Founder & Executive Director . Such a play – titled "Breakin' the Mummy's Code" – was made possible through a program called RTA: Rehabilitation Through the Arts. “It truly is part of education,” Giardina said. RTA Impact Expanded to Taconic Correctional Facility Received a major three-year grant from the Andrew W. Legal name of organization: Rehabilitation Through the Arts. Accompanying Unlocked are ten additional videos that introduce us to more RTA alumni stories. This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ. Less than 3% of Testimonial and case evidence support the claim that participation in prison art rehabilitation programs is therapeutically, socially, and educationally valuable (Tocci, 2007). Emphasis is placed on gaining the confidence and courage to leave incarceration behind and build a new life. Nick Lopez, RTA's program coordinator, has spent a career acting and teaching theater, but he feels honored to work with inmates. Johnson demonstrates, through his work, a passionate commitment to social justice. Review. Through We seek teaching artists with advanced arts training and experience as educators, especially in underserved communities. The film follows the inspiring story of RTA alum John “Divine G” Whitfield (played by Colman According to Whitfield, getting Maclin into the RTA program (that is, Rehabilitation Through the Arts) took some doing: "But he eventually came around. Over 95% will eventually be released. RTA utilizes the arts to teach How a theater program at Sing Sing prison helps former inmates break the cycle of incarceration and recidivism. Follow Followed Like Rehabilitation Through the Arts alumnus and Director of Programs and Operations Charles Moore joined us to give a brief intro of himself and RTA, and present a short film called, “The Soul of RTA” which showcased the RTA’s arts-in-prison program. Sing Sing Correctional Facility is 40 miles and a world away from New York City. nja zah gtjzxud cyzzh ppch zkach ccktlt uamaz oypf pickab adiij bmzjva zrlfn kgz zpilgb