MAKE CONSCIOUS CHOICES
WORKSHOPS IN YOUTH DETENTION CENTERS

"This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man."
---William Shakespeare, from "Hamlet"

“My chief want in life is someone who shall make me do what I can.”
---Ralph Waldo Emerson

Since 1998 Walking the dog Theater (WTD) has given many performances and workshops in youth detention centers. Workshops are offered in conjunction with a performance. The young people experience live theater, awaken their attention, and engage their imagination. After the performance, WTD artists lead a conversation around the questions that arise and create a workshop atmosphere that lifts the youth out of their habitual life into the creative realm. WTD's theater work stimulates the ability to make conscious choices and take responsibility for oneself, as well as kindling a sense of self-respect and respect for others. Strengthening the young person's creative spirit can prove a healing experience for all involved. WTD creates these workshops to meet the goals of the facility and the needs of the young people.