Date of Submission

12-16-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Merlinda Ndrecka, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Stephanie Bonnes, Ph.D.

Keywords

Post-incarceration reentry programs, Art and Theater, Rehabilitation, Trauma, Social Connections, Redemption Scripts

LCSH

Prisoners—Deinstitutionalization, Arts in prisons, Theater, Rehabilitation, Psychic trauma, Social interaction

Abstract

Arts programs are a well-established method of rehabilitation in prisons, yet limited research has examined the role of arts programs specifically during the post-incarceration reentry process. This qualitative study explores how participation in an arts-based reentry program shapes the emotional, social, and identity-related experience of formerly incarcerated individuals during reentry. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five formerly incarcerated men who formerly participated in As We Emerge, a performance-based theater and monologue program offered through EMERGE Connecticut in New Haven, CT. Using inductive thematic analysis, three primary themes emerged: (1) processing emotions, (2) the development of social support and community connections, and (3) the formation of redemption scripts. Findings indicate that this program provided participants with a structured and supportive space to process trauma, reduce shame, rebuild trust, and reframe their personal narratives toward growth, purpose, and desistance from crime. Performance-based storytelling, in particular, allowed participants to reclaim agency over their identities while fostering meaningful connections with peers and non-justice-involved community members. This study contributes to the limited body of research on post-incarceration arts programming by centering participant voices and highlighting the potential of performance-based arts as a trauma-informed, rehabilitative intervention during reentry. Implications for reentry practice, policy, and future research are discussed.

Download

Share

COinS