The Redemptive Theater Project at FPC Duluth made its debut this January with the comedy “The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong.” Fourteen adults in custody (AIC) participated in this new adult continuing education acting class which began in September. Employees from Psychology Services collaborated with the Education department to create the Redemptive Theater Project and Brittany Paasch, a Drug Treatment Specialist with a passion for theater, led the inaugural course. With the help of a local community volunteer, AICs were immersed in the performing arts committing to rehearse twice a week at the Camp for several months. Another AIC utilized his craftmanship skills to design and build the set. Initial performances were held at the institution, and all employees and AICs were invited to attend. Following this success, family and friends of the AIC cast and crew members were invited to the institution to watch the performance. The final performance was open to the public and held before a standing-room only crowd at a local non-profit theater.
The Redemptive Theater Project performances were well-received by the AIC population, their families, and the public. One AIC family member wrote after the performance: “This program gave my husband something to look forward to, and actively work as a team to create a product worth being proud of. It was wonderful to see the inmates and staff interacting in a respectful and normal manner…Giving them positive activities and reinforcements in this position gives them hope for the future. Hope for reentering society as a ‘normal’ person, and something to work toward in the present for the future. I hope the BOP uses the model of this program to create programming for every facility.”
Beyond Psychology Services and Education, employees from across FPC Duluth came together to ensure all aspects of the course and performances were properly addressed. They attended planning meetings, provided feedback, monitored performances, assisted with creating the playbill and escorted the AIC actors to the community theater to ensure safe and successful performances. FPC Duluth's Redemptive Theater Project illustrates the FBOP's vision to have our highly-skilled, diverse, and innovative workforce create a strong foundation of safety and security while through the principles of humanity and normalcy, developing good neighbors.