“It's important I express your company's impact on my life and how grateful I am to have learned the craft of solving problems creatively through the arts of improv. You empowered me to tap into my creative spirit and enabled me to collaborate with others within an environment that frowns upon these qualities. [It is] an experience I found enjoyable, transformative, and has added substance to my life's journey.”

• R. Nesbitt, Participant at California State Prison Sacramento

“Small things can become big things, and I am challenging myself everyday by continuing to do the exercises we [have learned] because they continue to help me overcome the obstacles in my head, and in my life, and are freeing me in great ways everyday. I am so grateful that I have been able to participate in this class, and have been blessed to meet you all. Each of you are awesome and amazing, and the ways that you encourage, influence, and inspire us gives us the courage and ability to imagine.”

• R. Ritchie, Participant at valley State prison

“Without question the 2 1/2 hour program provided the most creative and original entertainment I have experienced [while] incarcerated and that is what sets Red Ladder apart from the traditional dry textbook self improvement course. Red Ladder showed me life has a bright side, opened up unlimited possibilities in creativity, excited my imagination, stirred my compassion towards others, and gave me something to feel passionate about through the process of self discovery, which allowed me to end up in a position much stronger than I originally was entering this program. With each session we were encouraged to brainstorm with your trusted staff members and friends to explore our interest in performing activites that improved our communication, body language, public speaking, leadership skills, problem solving, interpersonal and teamwork skills all while enjoying ourselves immensely! We put in the work ethic to produce quality work, however it never felt like a daunting task to improve ourselves.”

• T. Trigg, Participant at valley State prison

“Thank you for [...] reaffirming why I very much believe in Performing Arts as a tool to help us not only heal, but find confidence and power. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to have learned from each of you, and be given a safe space for transformative arts experiences many prisoners do not have the capacity to engage in. I am a firm believer that through the tools, techniques, and dialogue of theatre, we learn not only about those around us, but about our own lenses through which we view the world. Through theater I have learned to build my own confidence, to listen, and to be with a group of men and women actively committed to grow with me. I am a better person on account of the opportunity to share this space with you [all], and I hope you understand the level of gratitude I carry with me today and moving forward always.”

• j. zepeda, Participant at salinas valley State prison

“This program has been pivotal in my growth and transformation. It has taught me to interact with people in a prosocial way and be open.”

• J. Junious, Participant at San quentin rehabilitation center

“This type of program is, in my opinion, the most effective for rehabilitation of youth offenders. Other programs attempt to address issues head-on through anger management, coping skills, etc. But those methods are ineffective for young people because young minds tend to reject anyone telling them what to do. This program avoids those issues by being indirect. Red Ladder, rather than telling YOP's to do better, shows them how to do better. It shows YOP's that it's ok to act like kids once in a while, rather than being hard gangsters. Many of us never got to be kids and had to act like emotionless adults at 8 years old, so this is a healing experience which allows us to cultivate our inner child.”

• J. van der veen, Participant at valley state prison

“Thank you so much for teaching us how to express oursevles while living in a place like a cube. May God bless you all.”

• Dimitri, Participant at elmwood county jail

“I try to make as many people I can sign up for Red Ladder. Especially when they are shy, reserved, and a little timid. I think it helps people to come out of their shells and be better persons to themselves and those around them. The staff are amazingly awesome people. They are encouraging, enlightening, open without judgement, and accept any and everyone who comes without questions. They are what makes Red Ladder what it is. Without them and their encouragement it would not be the same. I love Red Ladder in case you could not tell!”

• H. Davidson, participant at central california women’s facility

“I got my smile back. [...] Everybody should take this group.”

• S. Sunny, participant at valley state prison

“I didn't realize how much I would be positively impacted. This is why I've signed up 4 or 5 times now. This is a healing workshop filled with joy and support. Our shared vulnerabilities create connections.”

• B. Cole, participant at california health care facility