Creative Licence project helping to support John back into the workplace

Geese Theatre Company is a National Portfolio Organisation providing creative experiences in criminal justice settings across the country. They deliver life-changing projects with some of the most marginalised people, working with diverse participants with multiple and complex needs, improving wellbeing, rehabilitation and recovery. Their performances, groupwork projects and staff training programmes are industry-leading and have a lasting impact on participants, harnessing the power of theatre to encourage positive change. Alongside this inspiring programme of activity, we funded them to deliver a pilot project, Creative Licence, which developed a potential pathway for serving prisoners into work placements in cultural organisations. 

We spoke to John* who recently took part in a placement at Birmingham Rep. It helped him to build confidence, develop new skills and improve employability. He’s since been offered a permanent role and says the experience has helped him to feel more positive about his future: 

“I’d never even stepped foot into a theatre before starting this placement. It was something completely different to anything I’d done before. I didn’t know how it’d go, if I’d love it or hate it, but I wanted to give it a try. I remember watching a show rehearsal in my first couple of weeks and thinking ‘What am I doing here?’ It was so far removed from anything I’d done before but, after the initial shock, I started to really enjoy it. 

“My role gave me different experiences across the organisation. I worked four days a week across four different departments including HR, Unique Venues Birmingham (UVB), Rep Talent and in Production. The role was flexible, meaning that I could learn new skills in different areas but then eventually concentrate on the areas that suited me best. 

“It was really daunting at first. I’d forgotten so much but didn’t realise that until I got there. I’d switched my brain off and it took a couple of weeks to get back on my feet and feel normal again. I was also apprehensive about what the public perception would be, but I didn’t need to worry because nobody batted an eyelid. My past hasn’t been an issue for anyone that I’ve worked with. They’ve all been very respectful. If they’ve asked questions, I’ve answered openly. 

“I’d never even stepped foot into a theatre before starting this placement. It was something completely different to anything I’d done before. I didn’t know how it’d go, if I’d love it or hate it, but I wanted to give it a try. I remember watching a show rehearsal in my first couple of weeks and thinking ‘What am I doing here?’ It was so far removed from anything I’d done before but, after the initial shock, I started to really enjoy it. 

“My role gave me different experiences across the organisation. I worked four days a week across four different departments including HR, Unique Venues Birmingham (UVB), Rep Talent and in Production. The role was flexible, meaning that I could learn new skills in different areas but then eventually concentrate on the areas that suited me best. 

“It was really daunting at first. I’d forgotten so much but didn’t realise that until I got there. I’d switched my brain off and it took a couple of weeks to get back on my feet and feel normal again. I was also apprehensive about what the public perception would be, but I didn’t need to worry because nobody batted an eyelid. My past hasn’t been an issue for anyone that I’ve worked with. They’ve all been very respectful. If they’ve asked questions, I’ve answered openly. 

“My previous experience was in retail management and in bingo venues so the events side of things came quite naturally to me, but I’d never worked in an office before. I didn’t know what options there’d be for me when I leave prison, so it felt like a great opportunity to broaden my horizons and learn new skills. Hopefully it’ll give me more options when I get out. 

“Using a computer for the first time in four years was challenging and operating systems can be a bit of a minefield at first. But the staff were all really patient and helpful. Before, I would have avoided using a PC at all costs but I’m much more confident now. I can do so much more than I could do before. 

“The team at the Rep have been brilliant. I’d been out of the loop for four years, so they really supported me and helped me to build my confidence back up. I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I’ve met some amazing people – people that I probably wouldn’t have crossed paths with previously - but you adapt and make friends. I’m proud of the friendships I’ve made and feel happy that I’ve been accepted. It’s given me reassurance that I’m still human. Before going into it you think that everyone is going to judge you, but they haven’t. 

“Theatre had never really appealed to me. I didn’t think it was for me. I always thought it was for higher class people, but my eyes have been opened. It’s been amazing to see how much goes into a show – not just the performance but what also goes on behind the scenes. I definitely want to go and see a show in the future. I’d love to sit down and watch it from a customer point of view. I don’t know if I’d enjoy it, but it’s something I’d like to try. 

“A real stand out moment for me was being offered a permanent job in the events team after the placement. I never would’ve applied for the role before this experience because it’s attached to a theatre. But here I am, doing a job that I’m enjoying and excited about the future. It’s meant that I can get out of prison most days and earn a wage. It’s enabling me to live as normal a life as possible and I’m no longer worried about finding work at the end of it. 

“The experience has given me a re-introduction to working life. I’ve gained so much more confidence and that’ll help me in the future. I’m in prison for a reason. I did something wrong but I’m doing the right thing now. I got off my backside and I got another job. I hope that counts for something.” 

“I’ve met some amazing people – people that I probably wouldn’t have crossed paths with previously - but you adapt and make friends. I’m proud of the friendships I’ve made and feel happy that I’ve been accepted.”

Charlotte O’Brien, Head of Rehabilitation at HMP Oakwood, said that there are many benefits achieved when prisoners can access Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) projects such as this one: “ROTL helps with building family ties, reintegration into the wider community and gaining meaningful employment. 

“The prospect of this project was very exciting for us, and we couldn’t wait to be part of it. Not only for the positive impact it would have on John but also for strengthening the knowledge around ROTL and the importance of rehabilitation and ours and prisoners’ experience and views of the arts industry. 

“We have watched John grow and develop throughout the project, and we are now confident he will use these skills when released from prison later this year.” 

“Theatre had never really appealed to me. I didn’t think it was for me. I always thought it was for higher class people, but my eyes have been opened.”

As well as having a positive impact on John, Tracey Wainright, HR Manager at Birmingham Rep says it has also been hugely beneficial for the venue: “We decided to get involved with the project because it aligned with our inclusivity ambitions and our pathways programmes to make theatre, and working in the arts, accessible to all. 

“It’s shown us that, even if somebody doesn’t initially have the tools, language and experience you’d usually expect, this shouldn’t be a barrier to them working in the sector. It’s demonstrated that, as long as the person has overall ‘soft’ competencies, shared values and a willingness to learn, the role can be a success.  We’ve also learnt more about managing different life experiences within the workplace. 

“John thrived during his time at the theatre. His skills and confidence grew during the placement. He made an active contribution to the work of various teams and became a true advocate for the organisation. He integrated well into the teams and became a trusted and valued colleague, contributing to the success of the teams he worked in. His skills and enthusiasm made a genuine and valued contribution to the organisation.  

“The experience has helped us to think about how we can support, integrate and induct new employees who don’t have an arts background, or who haven’t been in a workplace before, or for a long period of time.  It’s helped us to understand how we can be more inclusive and it’s enabled us to reach those who wouldn’t usually consider theatre as a workplace, or a career. We’ve been able to tap into talent and skills that we otherwise wouldn’t have reached and it’s been a fantastic learning experience. “

“We have watched John grow and develop throughout the project, and we are now confident he will use these skills when released from prison later this year.” 

John has since been offered a role at another organisation and continues to make a positive impact in his workplace. Of this experience at Birmingham Rep he added: 

“I would 100% recommend this to others in a similar situation to me. It’s given me the chance to live a normal life. I’ve been given lots of scope to learn many new and different things. I’ve made friends, gained confidence and built a portfolio of really useful skills. It’s been a brilliant opportunity.” 

“I’ve made friends, gained confidence and built a portfolio of really useful skills. It’s been a brilliant opportunity.” 

Andy Watson, Geese Theatre Company’s Artistic Director / CEO said: “Creative Licence has been an excellent opportunity for us to help bridge the gap between custody and community. We’ve spent over 35 years working with people in prisons and have always known that employability plays a significant role in enabling people to make a success of that transition. 

“Hopefully this pilot project will show that not only is it possible to provide serving prisoners with placement opportunities but that it can be an enormous benefit to both the person taking up the placement and the arts organisation.” 

*John’s name has been changed in this article to protect his identity