User:Cre8tivewriters/sandbox

= Shakespeare Behind Bars = “The Mission of Shakespeare Behind Bars is to offer theatrical encounters with personal and social issues to incarcerated and post-incarcerated adults and juveniles, allowing them to develop life skills that will ensure their successful reintegration into society.”

Vision Statement
“Shakespeare Behind Bars was founded on the belief that all human beings are born inherently good. Although some convicted criminals have committed heinous crimes against other human beings, the inherent goodness still lives deep within them and can be called forth by immersing participants in the safety of a circle-of-trust and the creative process.”

Luther Luckett Correctional Complex
Located in La Grange, Kentucky, the complex was first opened in 1981 and the population hovers around 1,000. Main goals include promoting public safety, securing incarceration from the community; and, giving felons the opportunities for the capability to contribute positively to society upon release through use of constructive classification, programs and work assignment. This was Shakespeare Behind Bars first program, initiated 21 years ago.

Earnest C. Brooks Correctional Facility
Located in Muskegon Heights, Michigan, the facility was first opened in 1989. Prisoners are provided on-site routine medical care as well as programs that deal with control therapy, sex offender treatment, group counseling and substance-abuse treatment. Their SBB program was started in 2011 and is co-facilitated by Kate Thomeson, Joseph Byrd, Edward Hartline, and Bridget McCarthy.

JourneyMen Program
In addition to the two main facilities of Shakespeare Behind Bars, the program has expanded in an attempt to reach a more specific audience. The JourneyMen Program’s which occur in both Kentucky and Michigan, target in inmates ages 18-21 and uses the idea of mentorship to continue to cultivate the SBB tradition. The program is co-run by  Curt Tofteland and Matt Wallace in both states. It’s productions are usually done before the full Shakespeare Behind Bars performance to showcase the other work of the programs. Their locations include:

Luther Luckett Correctional Complex - La Grange, Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky Correctionial Complex - West Liberty, Kentucky

Green River Correctional Complex - Central City, Kentucky

Earnest C. Brooks Correctional Facility - Muskegon Heights, Michigan

Foundation
From 1995-2008, Curt L. Tofteland facilitated the SBB/KY program at the Luther Luckett Correctional Complex in LaGrange, Kentucky. During his thirteen year tenure, Curt produced and directed fourteen Shakespeare productions. Several participants in the SBB/KY program have garnered multiple Pen Literary Prison Writing Awards. Curt describes himself as  “an artist who uses Shakespeare plays to attempt to fix inmates”; his basis for the anticipated success rate was dependant of the inmate’s feelings of being in prison. Shakespeare Behind Bars uses theatre to give inmates larger voice and provide them inmates with the feeling of brotherhood while serving their time in the compound. For a full detailed timeline on The History Of Shakespeare Behind Bars visit

History of Shakespeare Behind Bars

Growth and Success
Within 10 years, Curt changed the lives of all inmates involved while producing and directing 10 seasons of Shakespeare Behind bars, expanding the program to new correctional facilities, including the Department of Juvenile Justice. To draw attention of the public eye, Shakespeare Behind Bars: The Documentary (SBB Documentary) was filmed and was one of the 16  selected for a world premiere at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. More information about the film festival at Sundance Film Fest

Curt L. Tofteland: Mission
Curt’s personal goal for the program is to create a family environment with the inmates involved in the play, providing them with education through the Play’s and giving the inmates something to look forward to at a time when they have no one else. In many cases the inmate’s families have turned their backs on them; Curt’s compassion is a crucial contribution to the inmate's success during the play’s rehearsals and their process of rejoining society. Any anger expressed from the inmates at any point is redirected into solving the argument that has occurred instead of pointing fingers and placing blame. A complete bio on Curt and the Shakespeare Behind Bars Staff can be found at: About SBB

Donations
Despite the program's evident success and constant growth, SBB is still in need of funding in order to continue the high quality performances. Their website specifies the type of donor based on the amount of money given to the program. Any and all donations are always encouraged.