‘Sing Sing’ Exclusive: Cast Members Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez + Sean “Dino” Johnson Talk About The Importance of The RTA Program

G etting out of prison is one thing, but ensuring that you don’t return is another challenge that plagues men and women trying to adjust to everyday life. However, recidivism is not an issue thanks to programs like the RTA (Rehabilitation Through the Arts).

Sing Sing, directed by Greg Kwedar and starring Colman Domingo , tells the real-life inspirational story of formerly incarcerated people who were the founding members of the RTA program, which allows prisoners to better their lives through the arts.

The film also stars the RTA’s founding members, who join Domingo as producers on the film and help tell their story.

Cassius Life’s Bernard “Beanz” Smalls spoke with cast members and real-life members of the RTA program Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez + Sean “Dino” Johnson about the program that has been instrumental in helping them turn their lives around.

Creativity Is A Good Way To Get Away From Negativity

Source: A24 / Sing Sing

During our conversation, we also asked them why they believed the RTA program worked so well in curbing recidivism among its members.

…creativity is a strong way to get away from negativity.

“Well, I think the arts give individuals a creative outlet, right? And creativity is a strong way to get away from negativity. So having that outlet and learning how to express yourself, and I’ll let Dino speak on that because he touches that from a personal level, but it’s an escape for individuals,” says Velazquez.

“And then it’s also an escape for the population because when they put on a show, not only are they being lifted, I’m talking about the individuals that are part of the cast, but the population is being lifted. They’re given a break and saying, we don’t have to face fight right now. We can just enjoy this. And if it’s a comedy, like what we were basing our movie on, we get to laugh,” Velazquez adds.

Source: A24 / Sing Sing

Johnson continues, “A lot of men, young boys that are in the situation lack confidence. They don’t know who they are. The arts is the most powerful vehicle for helping someone find who they are, what they’re capable of. And the creativity, it just stews a pot of it.”

The arts are the most powerful vehicle for helping someone find who they are and what they’re capable of.

“And you learn how to utilize it on your feet. For me, I was an introvert. Didn’t say much. Because every time I opened my mouth, I was misunderstood. The arts not only made me an effective speaker, it made me more of an effective person with dealing with people. And a lot of our youth have trouble expressing how they feel.”

Sing Sing is in theaters now for a limited run, and it will have an expanded release beginning on Aug. 2.

You can head here to find tickets.