The third biennial international Shakespeare in Prisons Conference (SIPC) will be held March 22–25, 2018 at The Old Globe in San Diego, part of the theatre’s evolving Arts Engagement and Globe for All programs designed to make theatre matter to more people.

SIPC offers prison arts practitioners the opportunity to share their collective experiences working with incarcerated and post-incarcerated populations; rejuvenate passion; renew commitment for their vocation; and build upon their expanding network of peers.

Artists and educators engaged in transformational arts programs using Shakespeare in prisons around the world are brought together to explore and study the effects arts programming has on prison populations. SIPC promotes a collaborative learning forum that exposes participants to a diverse array of programs that all strive for a common result: the habilitation of the prisoner’s mind, heart, body, and spirit.

Shakespeare at Notre Dame staged the first and second SIPC in November 2013 and January 2016, respectively. The Shakespeare in Prisons Conferences initiative is a flagship program of the Shakespeare in Prisons Network, founded at the University of Notre Dame by Curt L. Tofteland, Founder and Producing Director of Shakespeare Behind Bars; Scott Jackson, Executive Director of Shakespeare at Notre Dame; and Dr. Peter Holland, McMeel Family Chair in Shakespeare Studies at the University of Notre Dame.

The conference is targeted to:

• Prison arts practitioners and theatre artists;
• Area correctional-center officials;
• Scholars engaged in research documenting prison arts experiences and the effects of arts in corrections programs;
• Academic community members and students from universities around the world.

Schedule (subject to change)

Click here for full conference schedule

Panelist and Performer Bios

Registration:

• Cost: $275.
• The Shakespeare in Prisons Conference registration fee includes three meals a day for three days, in addition to entrance to all conference events and activities.
• Click here to go to full conference registration page.

Daily Conference Rates:  

• Friday and Saturday $99 per day
• Sunday only $79
• Scroll down to Calendar to choose date for day rate conference attendance

The day rate includes all meals throughout the day of the conference (breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments), conference swag, attendance to all sessions happening that day as well as entrance into the opening reception on Thursday, March 22.

Hotel Information

Attendees may reserve a room at the historic Lafayette Hotel. We strongly urge you to call in early as these rooms are expected to go fast. Attendees are to call 619-296-2101 for reservations for guarantee. If for any reason you are unable to speak to a representative please email your request to reservations@lafayettehotel.com as the hotel is currently in the process of updating their phone system.

This Property features many complimentary amenities.

• Complimentary wireless internet
• Heated 25 meter pool
• Fitness Center
• Business Center
• Two bars and restaurants: Hope 46 and The Red Fox Lounge

Guests may call 619-296-2101 or email: reservations@lafayettehotelsd.com and notify they are with the SHAKESPEARE IN PRISONS CONFERENCE.

It is important that each guests contact the Hotel at least 6 weeks prior to your arrival date (March 22, 2018) to secure this rate and identify themselves as part SHAKESPEARE IN PRISONS CONFERENCE. 

This program is supported in part by:

The Beyster Family
Stiefel Behner Charitable Fund
Ann Davies Fund for Teaching Artists
Financial support is provided by: 

Program Partners:

• Shakespeare at Notre Dame (Scott Jackson, Executive Director);
• Shakespeare Behind Bars (Curt L. Tofteland, Founder and Producing Director);
• The Old Globe (Department of Arts Engagement).

Additional Partners: San Diego County Sheriff’s Department; Las Colinas Women’s Detention and Reentry Facility; California State Prison, Centinela.

The 2018 Shakespeare in Prisons Conference is generously funded in part by Shakespeare at Notre Dame and the Ryan Memorial Foundation. Financial support of The Old Globe is provided by The City of San Diego. Sponsorship of the Globe’s Reflecting Shakespeare program, serving incarcerated people at Las Colinas and Centinela, is also provided by The James Irvine Foundation and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Press Release