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Theatre Behind Bars: New Directions in Prison Programs

NCJ Number
165929
Date Published
1992
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This documentary film describes a correctional program in British Columbia, Canada that uses inmate involvement in theater production and presentation as a means of rehabilitation.
Abstract
William Head on Stage is a program at the William Head Medium-Security Institution. It is now in its 10th year. It is an optional addition to other inmate programs and responsibilities and not an alternative. Inmates take complete responsibility for selecting, producing, and acting in their own plays and handle all organization and coordination. Funding comes from profits from previous performances. The administration strongly supports the program and believes that it contributes to personal growth and rehabilitation of offenders. Inmates, staff, and community theater members who assist in the program comment that it teaches teamwork, cooperation, discipline, commitment, organizational skills, and responsibility to others.