ACTORS & PLAYWRIGHTS PROGRAM
Originating in 2009, the Actors & Playwrights Program supports and encourages the talents of approximately 22 inmates per semester. They have written dozens of plays which have been produced for performances within Garner Correctional Institution as well as in surrounding Connecticut Community Theaters. Plays range from deeply personal to comedic. Each year students create and produce shows in December and May, which are always enthusiastically received. These plays are also produced in local community theaters.
One of the plays that was written in the Garner Actors and Playwrights Program was a recipient of a 2018 PEN America Award for Playwriting. NEVER TOO LATE is a story of two lifelong friends, one of whom finds love and redemption following a tragedy. This beautifully written play was well received by Garner audiences during the May 2018 performance series. We are proud of John for his talent and efforts and applaud his success.
ACTORS & PLAYWRIGHTS IN REHERSAL
Images by John Vorhees / Hearst Publishing
INTERVIEW WITH KEN ANDERSON, FORMER MEMBER OF ACTORS & PLAYWRIGHTS
“I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD EXPERIENCE WHAT I EXPERIENCED IN THOSE CLASSES. THE COMRADERIE WAS AWESOME. THE VULNERABILITY WAS AWESOME. THE OPENNESS, AND THE WAY EVERYBODY WAS JUST WILLING TO WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER - IT WAS AMAZING.”
— KEN ANDERSON
PERFORMANCES AT RIDGEFIELD THEATRE BARN: ALL LIVES ON ME, LINCOLN & CROSSED SWORDS
