My name is Marianna Houston, and I’ve been a Teaching Artist with Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) for two years, working inside Wallkill and Green Haven Correctional Facilities. I’ve spent more than five decades using theater to connect people, empower communities, and help individuals unlock their creative potential. For me, the arts are a pathway to transformation—they allow us to see ourselves and others in new ways, to heal, and to rediscover our voice.
When I began my journey with RTA, I was introduced to the intersection of social work and criminal justice through a course at Columbia University. I was deeply moved by the stories of incarcerated individuals and their desire for change, reflection, and expression. Theater became a bridge—an opportunity to create space where people could be seen not for what they’ve done, but for who they are becoming.
Working with RTA participants has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve witnessed incredible growth—men and women discovering courage, empathy, and confidence through performance. The stage becomes a place of freedom. When participants share their stories, they are not just performing—they are reclaiming their humanity and contributing to a collective act of healing.
Recently, I’ve been working with a group of formerly incarcerated individuals as they prepare for their first public play performance outside prison walls. Seeing them take the stage, surrounded by community support, is a reminder that art can change lives. My hope is that through the arts, we continue to build bridges of understanding, compassion, and possibility.
What I get out of this work is simple but profound: purpose. Every time I see someone rediscover their sense of self through art, I’m reminded why I do this. Creativity can heal, connect, and transform—and that’s what keeps me coming back to the work, again and again.
When I began my journey with RTA, I was introduced to the intersection of social work and criminal justice through a course at Columbia University. I was deeply moved by the stories of incarcerated individuals and their desire for change, reflection, and expression. Theater became a bridge—an opportunity to create space where people could be seen not for what they’ve done, but for who they are becoming.
Working with RTA participants has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve witnessed incredible growth—men and women discovering courage, empathy, and confidence through performance. The stage becomes a place of freedom. When participants share their stories, they are not just performing—they are reclaiming their humanity and contributing to a collective act of healing.
Recently, I’ve been working with a group of formerly incarcerated individuals as they prepare for their first public play performance outside prison walls. Seeing them take the stage, surrounded by community support, is a reminder that art can change lives. My hope is that through the arts, we continue to build bridges of understanding, compassion, and possibility.
What I get out of this work is simple but profound: purpose. Every time I see someone rediscover their sense of self through art, I’m reminded why I do this. Creativity can heal, connect, and transform—and that’s what keeps me coming back to the work, again and again.