“Men at some time are masters of their fates.”

– Shakespeare, Julius Caesar

“These men cannot re-do the day that sealed their fate, but they have become better men while they are serving their time.”

– SBB Audience Member

"The group dynamics have brought about a positive atmosphere and great moments of self-reflection. I was blessed to be a part of someone else’s growth and desire to want to know and be more."

– SBB Veteran/Journeymen Mentor

Shakespeare Behind Bars

Founded in 1995, Shakespeare Behind Bars is one of the longest running, continuously operating, art, theatre, Shakespeare, and original writing prison programs in the US.

Since 1995, Shakespeare Behind Bars has offered theatrical encounters with personal and social issues to incarcerated, post-incarcerated, and at-risk communities, allowing them to develop life skills that will ensure their successful integration into society. The youth and adults we serve experience a powerful personal transformation as a result, building life skills, emotional intelligence and coping strategies essential to successfully re-integrate into society.

6%
SBB participant recidivism rate
68%
National avg. recidivism rate

Our Programs

Adult Prison Programs

Using the healing power of the arts to transform inmate offenders from who they were when they committed their crimes, to who they wish to become.

→

Juvenile Arts Programs

Providing at-risk youth with the tools they need to work towards a future outside institutions, through the transformative power of the arts.

→

Attend a Performance

Thank you all who attended the 2023 public performances of our 25th Anniversary Production at the Luther Luckett Correctional Complex in LaGrange, Kentucky. 
After being dark since King Lear closed in 2019, our reopening was glorious. 
We are now in rehearsals for As you Like It which will perform in April, 2024. 
To join the mailing list to receive information about our public performances, please email Curt@shakespearebehindbars.org. 

Watch the Documentary

The Philomath Films documentary about Shakespeare Behind Bars premiered at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival. You can view the film online.

More Info

Donate & Support our mission

We rely on the generosity of our supporters. To help us continue our services for inmates and youth, please consider making a tax-deductible donation today.

Donate Now

Explore past performances…

View All Photo Galleries

SBB Photo Gallery – The Journeymen

SBB Photo Gallery – Juvenile Arts Programs

SBB Photo Gallery – SBB|MI Programs

SBB Photo Gallery – Rehearsals & Visitations

Fundraisers & Events

SBB Photo Gallery – Luther Luckett Correctional Complex Public Performances

SBB Photo Gallery – Luther Luckett Correctional Complex Public Performances

LLCC – Twelfth Night, 2016