Serves as a space where incarcerated individuals, primarily men, are able to process their emotions.

Many incarcerated individuals, primarily men, tend to live life in prison by putting on a facade of being tough. This is especially true when they encounter fellow rivals or prison staff. They live their lives on a daily basis by depending on this exterior so much that many of them are not able to be vulnerable or experience their natural emotions.

Through theatre and drama programs, incarcerated individuals would need to put themselves in the shoes of the character they are playing. When they are allowed to perform works that are relatable and emotionally complex, they can then process their natural emotions, which are often concealed to maintain the perception that people have of them.

Facilitates bonding between incarcerated individuals and prison staff and amongst incarcerated individuals segregated by race.

In many prisons, there is a sense of distrust and animosity between the incarcerated individuals and prison staff. This is a contributor to the negative atmosphere in the prison environment. Theatre and drama programs can play a role in connecting these two groups of people as prison staff are encouraged to join these programs and work hand in hand with the incarcerated individuals.

Additionally, segregation by race is common in prisons, whether that be by the prison or by the individual’s choice of who they decide to associate with. This tends to increase the tension and violence within prisons. Since individuals, regardless of race and ethnicity, are involved in these programs, that can break the barriers and allow groups of people who may not have wanted to interact based on exterior appearance to actually understand one another better and connect on a deeper and emotional level.

Allows incarcerated individuals to reflect on their deviant behavior and take accountability for their actions.

When individuals are in a state where they are playing a certain character, they are more likely to reflect on their own deviant behavior, especially if they can relate to that character. This makes the incarcerated individuals recognize their actions and understand their own motivations for committing a crime. Through deep introspection, they can go through the healing process of their past and would be motivated to engage in positive behavior patterns.

Opens individuals up to new ways of thinking and learning about other people’s worldviews.

When interacting with other incarcerated individuals and learning about new plays, the individuals are opened up to new perspectives and ideas. This means that they can become more open-minded and respectful of cultures and views which differ from their own.

Builds confidence and an assured sense of self.

Incarcerated individuals are constantly labeled as “stupid,” “garbage,” and “thugs,” amongst many other names. These labels seek to dehumanize and denigrate these individuals, and it usually results in them feeling as though those labels are the only definitions of them. However, as incarcerated individuals work together to perform, it builds up confidence and counters the harmful stereotypes they have been given.

Plus, incarcerated individuals who may have a fear of public speaking are guided through these performances and can build up an assured sense of self over time.

Provides opportunities for employment upon release from prison.

There are increased and improved employment opportunities available for those formerly incarcerated people who engaged in prison education programs, and reentry is far smoother and more successful for those who took classes in prison, especially insofar as gainful employment is one of the defining features of successful reentry. [3]