Shakespeare Reclaimed
SIP’s Post-Release Extension for Alumni
Justin co-presented with SIP staff at the 2019 Correctional Education Association conference.
In February 2018, SIP extended its mission beyond prison walls with Shakespeare Reclaimed, a post-release extension developed in collaboration with ensemble members. This program provides the mentorship, accountability, and opportunities for personal and professional growth that SIP alums need to succeed as they return to their communities seeking productive activities and employment.
Overwhelmingly, SIP ensemble members talk about the desire to prove that they are a force for good in the world. Through Shakespeare Reclaimed, Shakespeare in Prison staff are pleased to support them in their efforts to become not just contributing members of society, but to make substantial contributions to the culture of their communities and the state.
Jocelyn participated in DPT’s production of PIPELINE as part of Shakespeare Reclaimed’s Journeyman program.
Participation in Shakespeare Reclaimed is scalable—from simply keeping in touch with SIP staff to carefully designed, structured projects—and individually tailored to align with each participant’s unique circumstances.
Shakespeare Reclaimed offers connections with fellow SIP alumni, as well as with the broader arts and nonprofit communities. SIP alumni have collaborated with SIP staff on a variety of projects, including our groundbreaking book and a series of short films.
Participants in Shakespeare Reclaimed have achieved many successes thus far. These include:
Full-time employment in a variety of fields (often supported by job references from SIP staff)
One individual’s founding of a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (a multi-year process supported by intensive mentoring from SIP staff)
Conference and webinar presentations with SIP staff
Journeyman partnerships with professional theatres and artists
Our ensemble members talk all the time about the home they’ve found in our circle. We're hoping to welcome everyone home again — but this time on the outside.
"Being able to stay in contact with the facilitators post-release has really been the difference between having to leave the lessons of SIP on the inside—and actually allowing it to come with you and live outside of the facility and become a part of your life." - Shakespeare Reclaimed Participant
Shakespeare Reclaimed 2025 Performance
We are overjoyed to share with you the third ever alumni performance from the SIP program this past August! This year’s performance was also the first time that we have been able to create a joint project between the alumni program and the SIP program inside the facility. This past summer the SIP ensemble tried something new, they spent the summer writing their own (Shakespeare-inspired!) pieces that were performed for their peers at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional. We worked with the MDOC and were granted special permission to perform those pieces at Detroit Public Theatre. The pieces were performed on their behalf by the alumni who additionally contributed pieces of their own.
The project was a resounding success and we could not be more proud of the work of the SIP team, the alumni, and the SIP ensemble.
Shakespeare Reclaimed 2024 Performance
Last August, Detroit Public Theatre hosted What’s in a Name…, a powerful original documentary theatre performance created and performed entirely by artists from Shakespeare Reclaimed, the alumni ensemble of Shakespeare in Prison. Drawn verbatim from interviews conducted in 2022, the piece wove together real reentry stories exploring what “successful reentry” means to returning citizens. Many of the performers had themselves participated in the interview project, yet none performed their own words—a creative choice that underscored the shared and collective nature of reentry experiences. Through a series of interwoven monologues, the ensemble brought to life stories of resilience, struggle, and transformation. Presented on August 17 and 18, 2024, at Detroit Public Theatre, What’s in a Name… invited audiences to listen deeply and reflect on the beauty, complexity, and humanity of SIP alumni as they navigate life beyond prison.
What our SIP Alumni are Currently Up To
+ Casey Ward
Astroforma Design
Casey is the founder and creative force behind Astroforma Design Studio LLC, a Michigan-based creative studio specializing in bold, high-quality custom merchandise for gamers, tabletop enthusiasts, streamers, and game developers. Blending striking graphic design with the vibrant energy of gaming culture, competition, and community, Casey crafts products that feel deeply personal and collectible—think personalized Magic: The Gathering playmats, gamer-inspired apparel (hoodies, t-shirts, hats, and beanies), mugs, desk pads, and exclusive collaboration pieces for events and partners. Beyond merchandise, Casey brings hands-on game design and development expertise to the table, drawing from years of creating and iterating on game concepts, mechanics, visuals, and interactive experiences that resonate with players. This skill set fuels Astroforma’s innovative designs and extends into content creation, where Casey streams gameplay, design processes, community events, and creative discussions on Twitch and YouTube. These channels serve as platforms to connect with fellow creators, share tips on game dev and graphic design, and build inclusive spaces for gamers and artists. Casey is excited to leverage this streaming presence for charity initiatives, including upcoming opportunities to support meaningful causes through live broadcasts. At the heart of Casey’s work is community impact: Astroforma’s partnerships direct merchandise proceeds toward fundraising and inclusive programming, while Casey organizes and promotes welcoming events—handling everything from coordination and promotion to logistics—to foster connection and generate support for partner organizations. Merging creative entrepreneurship, game design/development, and content creation with a deep commitment to community-building, Casey uses design, merchandise, gaming culture, and digital platforms as tools to bring people together and drive positive change. Visit https://www.astroformadesign.com to explore the shop and learn more!
Follow on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/knightwolf_actual/about
Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KightWolf-Actual/videos
Check out this recording of our first webinar with Shakespeare in Prison alums!
Were you part of the ensemble while you were incarcerated? We’d love to hear from you!
To get in touch, email Sophia Esch by clicking here.
Or drop us a line via snail mail!
Detroit Public Theatre
Attn: Shakespeare in Prison
3960 Third Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201
