When asked a few years ago by an inmate working in the library about the possibility of holding theater classes, Garner Correctional Institution Librarian Mark Aldrich latched onto the idea and ran with it.

Mr Aldrich sought the approval of the prison's warden, found a volunteer with expertise in the field, and in 2009 the Garner Players were born. Each year since, Mr Aldrich, along with a series of volunteers, has provided classes on a regular basis for the ever-evolving theater program.

Mr Aldrich loves this work. He earned a Master in Applied Theater degree from CUNY and expanded the Garner program to include playwriting, acting, and movement skills. His enthusiasm and dedication is most evident in that he officially retired as Garner's librarian a year ago, yet he continues run the classes and mount annual productions, all on a volunteer basis.

Fresh off a recent run of original short plays, all written by members of Garner Players, the buzz was palpable.

Visitors were invited to attend the shows, and their response to every theatrical element was powerful. Audience members were moved and impressed.

Performing in a spare setting, without benefit of lighting, sets, or costumes, the pieces and players were transporting, eliciting tears, tension, and laughter as they captivated. Interspersed with magnificent original poetry, the production earned the superlative-laden accolades.

Theater forms a family of sorts. The work of play development requires vulnerability on the part of the writers and actors. They have to share words that may reflect their deepest emotions and personal experiences, and then be fortified for critique.

Letting down one's guard is not an exercise familiar to those incarcerated, yet within the walls of the dining hall where classes are held, it happens twice a week. The men listen and communicate ideas with respect and support. It is a safe space, something with which many are not familiar. The encouragement they provide each other and the team work they demonstrate is exceptional.

In the afterglow of the productions, cast and crew gather to bask in their success, enjoying the warmth and energy engendered. New cast member James, who played two roles, claimed, "I am inspired, I want to write a play, I want to do this again, I love this."

James added that the encouragement he received sparked an awareness that people "believe in me." He had never felt that before, he added.

Identities and self-worth are altered by doing something new, learning a skill or being given room for self-expression. The theater teaches many life lessons and provides a multitude of tools that promote social and personal growth. Collaboration, listening, creating, and respect are just some of the myriad benefits offered through theater arts. It is a group effort.

Shakur identifies as a playwright, and he is prolific. Always interested in writing, he now finds story seeds everywhere. His mind is constantly in creativity mode.

When not writing a play or poem, he is contemplating another. As his work comes to life, he is at once honored and inspired.

The class gives him hope, "hope that although your past isn't perfect you do not have to squander your present and future," he said.

A brilliant poet, Kevin acknowledges that the encouraging responses to his writing have inspired him to expand his skills to include screen writing. Their futures brighten.

Donning an impenetrable facade is a crucial exercise for the incarcerated.

"I was an introvert, until I came to this class and learned how to express myself," said Jamar, who said he found relief in the opportunity to unburden himself by giving voice to his stories.

Being heard is empowering. It results in not only compassion but also building of character.

"This is a chance to have our voices heard," says Abdullah.

This opportunity comes with responsibility for how the message is communicated. What the writer wants to say and how it is received are essential considerations.

Lawrence has echoed this, giving weight to the notion that the language must be comprehensible in order to resonate. This is a component of empathy. It is also a skill required in writing.

Delivering language that can be appreciated by disparate audiences and yet maintain the jargon and sound true to the culture portrayed is a valuable lesson in broader communication.

"I write for you to hear it," Solomon explains to the audience.

As the class huddles to begin the next semester, they share ideas for new plays and presentations. The creativity is boundless, the room charged with its energy. Thoughts are shared, writing groups are formed and pencils set in motion.

No matter their histories and experiences, here they connect as actors and playwrights sharing a purpose.

Following Garner CI protocol, only the first names of those incarcerated were used in the writing of this story. In addition, writer Elizabeth Young co-directs the program with Mark Aldrich.