New York City's Rikers Island, Horizon, and Crossroads juvenile detention centers are being transformed into vibrant stages, thanks to a non-profit organization dedicated to helping incarcerated and court-involved youth turn their lives around. Drama Club is at the forefront of this effort, using theater and improvisational skills as tools for self-expression and growth.
The program's mission is built on the idea that young people can't begin to create positive change until they accept their current circumstances and acknowledge there's more to life. Through engaging sessions, participants build confidence, communication skills, and community, learning to collaborate and tell their stories in a safe space. For those who have become entrenched in gangs, Drama Club offers an alternative path.
Research backs the effectiveness of improv as a tool for managing stress and uncertainty. By engaging with improvisational exercises, young people can break free from the cycle of trauma that often accompanies incarceration. As one participant noted, "I was like, woah, I've never done this before. It helped me escape from the reality I was in, and it helped me belong."
The program's impact extends beyond just individual growth, with Drama Club also offering paid internships to at-risk youth through its Apprentice Program. These opportunities allow young people to set goals for a brighter future and work closely with mentors to achieve them. By providing a supportive and creative environment, Drama Club is helping to empower the next generation of leaders.
For those who have been locked up or living on the margins, Drama Club represents a lifeline to a better life. As one program manager noted, "We live in a life of 'no, but.' Your life cannot begin until you accept the present circumstances and acknowledge that there's more."
The program's mission is built on the idea that young people can't begin to create positive change until they accept their current circumstances and acknowledge there's more to life. Through engaging sessions, participants build confidence, communication skills, and community, learning to collaborate and tell their stories in a safe space. For those who have become entrenched in gangs, Drama Club offers an alternative path.
Research backs the effectiveness of improv as a tool for managing stress and uncertainty. By engaging with improvisational exercises, young people can break free from the cycle of trauma that often accompanies incarceration. As one participant noted, "I was like, woah, I've never done this before. It helped me escape from the reality I was in, and it helped me belong."
The program's impact extends beyond just individual growth, with Drama Club also offering paid internships to at-risk youth through its Apprentice Program. These opportunities allow young people to set goals for a brighter future and work closely with mentors to achieve them. By providing a supportive and creative environment, Drama Club is helping to empower the next generation of leaders.
For those who have been locked up or living on the margins, Drama Club represents a lifeline to a better life. As one program manager noted, "We live in a life of 'no, but.' Your life cannot begin until you accept the present circumstances and acknowledge that there's more."
It's like they're already dealing with so much stress and trauma just because they messed up a little. But this Drama Club program is literally changing lives! I mean, who would've thought that improv could be such a powerful tool for growth and healing? 
It's amazing to see how it can help them break free from the cycle of negativity and find their voice. And those paid internships? Game-changer! 
Young people deserve a chance to succeed and make a difference in their communities, too. I'm so inspired by this non-profit's mission and dedication to helping these young folks turn their lives around 
I'm so inspired by the Apprentice Program too, giving young people opportunities to set goals and work towards a brighter future... it's truly heartwarming 
I gotta say, this drama club thing for young people in Rikers Island is actually kinda genius 
. I mean, think about it, some of these kids have been locked up since they were teens, they need a safe space to express themselves and grow as individuals. And it's not just about acting out or playing roles, it's about building confidence and communication skills that'll help them in life. Plus, the improv part makes total sense, it's all about managing stress and uncertainty, right? 
. Giving these kids a chance to set goals for a brighter future and work with mentors is exactly what they need to get back on track.
. I mean, who wouldn't want to trade in the stress and uncertainty of life behind bars for some improv exercises and a sense of belonging? 
. That's like, totally empowering! I'm all about giving people a second chance and creating opportunities for them to thrive. And it's great to see organizations like Drama Club stepping up to provide support and resources to those who need it most 
. They're not just building confidence in themselves, but also creating a brighter future for their communities 
He's now working as a counselor at this org, helping kids find their own way too. It just goes to show that giving people a platform & support can make all the difference in their lives 
this is so inspiring! i mean think about it, these young people are stuck in the system and drama club is like, giving them a way out through theater and self-expression. its amazing how improv can actually help reduce stress and trauma. i totally get what they're saying, "i was like woah, i've never done this before" ... it sounds like exactly what some of these kids need - a safe space to be themselves and work towards a better future. 
! Those kids need a way outta that cycle of trauma & gang life, and if theater can do it, let's get 'em on stage ASAP 
... I mean, who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned chance to turn it around? 
These kids deserve a second chance, and Drama Club's giving it to 'em with open arms 
. Let's keep supporting this program & give those young people the tools they need to succeed! 
. And I love how they're focusing on building confidence and community - it's all about creating a support system for these young people.
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and offering paid internships is just the icing on the cake 
. it's like, they're not just helping them escape their circumstances, but also giving them a chance to set goals for a brighter future 
. i love how this program is all about empowering the next gen of leaders 
!
Think about it, if these young people can just own their situation, like its real life right now, they might actually start making a change. I mean, drama club is awesome and all, but isn't it kinda weird that these kids need to be in a "safe space" to express themselves? What's wrong with being able to vent or get mad without some scripted activity or therapist dude telling them its okay?
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. But what about the long-term effects? Will this just be a temporary escape from the reality they're facing, or is there real change happening here? 
I can only imagine how tough it must be for those young people going through all this... being locked up or struggling on the margins can feel like having no escape at all. But then I think about groups like Drama Club, using theatre and improv to help them find their voice and confidence again... it's truly inspiring 
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, who knew improv could be like a magic wand to escape trauma & gang vibes? 
it's awesome they're giving young folks a chance to find their voice & build confidence in a safe space 
. and can you imagine having paid internships as an apprentice program? that's like, the ultimate reboot 
. i mean, who needs therapy when you've got improv exercises, right? 