Prison Performing Arts (PPA) is a multi-discipline, literacy and performing arts program dedicated to enriching the lives of youth and adults in Missouri's criminal and juvenile justice systems. We foster individual and social change by providing the incarcerated, and formerly incarcerated, with opportunities to participate in the arts as artists, students, and audience members. Participants learn creative and constructive ways to express emotions, build trust, and work in collaboration with one another. Our programs aim to improve literacy and communication skills, instill responsibility to self and others, and promote non-violent expression of emotion.
A documentary on our work, "Prison Performing Arts: The Voice Within", is available to stream on Amazon, Peacock, and Tubi.
Prison Performing Arts was featured in a full, one-hour episode of NPR's This American Life. The episode, "Act V", is on the show's Short List of listener favorites.
FACILITIES WE SERVE
St. Louis City Justice Center
Hogan Street Regional Youth Center
St. Louis City Juvenile Detention Center
St. Louis County Juvenile Detention Center
Hogan Street Regional Youth Center (DYS, St. Louis)
Northeast Correctional Center (NECC in Bowling Green, MO)
Women's Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center (WERDCC in Vandalia, MO)
Missouri Eastern Correctional Center (MECC in Pacific, MO)
Transition Center of St. Louis (TCSTL in St. Louis, MO)
Alumni Theatre Company of returning citizens
Prison Performing Arts involves incarcerated youth and adults in the performing arts to inspire intellectual curiosity and personal development. We nurture the discipline, teamwork and communication skills necessary for successful re-entry into society. We encourage members of the larger community to connect personally with program participants, and we offer continuing programs for participants who have been released.
Organization name
Prison Performing Arts
Tax id (EIN)
43-1394929
Mission/Purpose
Other, Social Justice, Education, Arts & Culture - Theaters, Arts & Culture
Operating Budget
Small: $250,001 - $1,000,000
Service Area
St Louis City
Audiences Served
Veterans, Women, Men, Teens, BILPOC, Older Adults, Military, LGBTQIA+, Justice-Involved Individuals, People with Disabilities
Address
3333 Washington Avenue Suite 203-BPhone
314-410-8741