Mehron Helps With Prison Therapy

In these tough economic times businesses of all sizes are feeling the pinch. Social Programs that depend on the charitable contributions of others are really hurting, and programs that are funded by State Budgets has been closed. Early in 2011 Martin Melik, President of Mehron, was contacted by Sabra Williams, Director, The Actors' Gang Prison Project. Ms. Williams explained that funding cuts had decimated a thriving project that was bringing arts into the prison, specifically an acting workshop. When the State of California cut the funding for the Arts-in-Corrections Program the final curtain was about to close on the work that The Actors' Gang Prison Project was undertaking at the prison in Norco, California. The Artistic Director of the Actors' Gang, Actor Tim Robbins told prison officials that the shows would go on, that they would continue with private funding and donations.

Enter, Sabra Williams contacting Martin Melik. Ms. Williams explained to the President of Mehron that throughout the years The Actors' Gang had always used Mehron Makeup, that it was an essential part of reaching out to the inmates through the Commedia dell'arte workshops of the Prison Project. After hearing her plight and pinching the budget in other areas, Mr. Melik freed up enough to fulfill the donation request of The Actor's Gang Prison Project sending them Gallons of Whiteface, ProColorRing™ Bruise, Application Sponges, Paradise Makeup AQ, Color Cup, Zombie Flesh and Setting Powder.

The Actors' Gang Prison Project is an interpretation of Drama Therapy using Commedia dell'arte, a technique favored by Tim Robbins to enable people to reach into their inner emotions in preparation for playing characters. It is a form of theater that was in favor in Italy in the 16th and 17th centuries, an improvisational performance that often occurred on outdoor stages and relied on props instead of formal scenery.

The Actors' Gang Prison Project states on it's Web Site:

"Arts programs have proven to stem the tide of violence. Dr. Lawrence Brewster, Sociology Professor at California State University at San Jose, found that prison Arts In Corrections programs reduced incidents of violence within the prison by 75-81% and saved close to double the cost of the program in measurable benefits such as security and medical costs. Later it was proven that the program lowered recidivism rates by 51%.

Theater has therapeutic aspects built into its process, which leads to discipline, self-examination and working with others of different backgrounds. In addition to nurturing communication skills and creativity, the program builds individual self-respect. For some, this confidence motivates them to overcome difficult backgrounds and set previously unimaginable goals, such as going to college. The process provides an opportunity to work with peers of different races and gang affiliations, thereby bridging their differences. The result raises social consciousness, imparting the sense that they are woven in a social fabric and each one is part of a larger whole."

The Actors' Gang Prison Project is one of only two left in the State of California, the other has had to do the same and raise their own funds to keep their program alive. Mr. Robbins and The Actors' Gang hope not only to be able to keep their program alive, but to expand it to other prisons with private donations.

On June 30,2011, The New York Times published an article by writer Adam Nagourney who witnessed Mehron Makeup in action when he went to visit the Actor's Gang Prison Project in Norco, Ca. Mr. Nagourney got a first hand look at Sabra Williams and Tim Robbins conducting their workshop. The Actors' Gang Prison Project was also covered by NPR Radio, BBC and The Los Angles Times. Mehron was there to help this time, but may not always be able to help especially if the program expands as is the hope of Director Sabra Williams, and Actor Tim Robbins. You can donate to the Actor's Gang which not only does prison outreach, they also do Community Theater, Bring Theater into the Schools and have a host of other projects to keep the arts alive. You can donate to The Actor's Gang through their Web Site, 75% of their budget is from donors like you, Actors, Theater Owners, Makeup Artists, Producers, Directors, Drama Professionals, and all those involved in the arts.