SE Downtown Detroit Luncheon Affinity Group (virtual)

Downtown Luncheon Affinity Group  for February 10 meeting

The focus of our meetings in 2021 will be on the vitality of the Arts & Culture in Detroit. Not only does it provide a respite from daily crises, it allows us to celebrate women who lead with purpose in diverse settings.

This month we meet:

Frannie Shepherd-Bates, an accomplished prison theatre practitioner, director, educator, and grant writer. She is the founder and director of Shakespeare in Prison, Detroit Public Theatre's signature community program. This innovative eight-year-old initiative uses Shakespeare's works as a means of empowerment, skill-building, and identity development for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people. Frannie has directed many plays for southeast Michigan's professional theatres; she has also taught for and directed educational theatre programs for youth, including playwriting and Shakespeare performance.

Shakespeare in Prison (SIP) empowers incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people to reconnect with their humanity and that of others; to reflect on their past, present, and future; and to gain the confidence, self-esteem, and crucial skills they need to heal and positively impact their communities.

SIP’s alumni are proving this development does not end when they are released from prison. Many are in touch with SIP staff—the same mentors who supported them while they were incarcerated—continuing the growth they began as they obtain steady jobs, mend relationships, and avoid the types of circumstances that led to their incarceration. Through their post-release extension, Shakespeare Reclaimed, SIP is able to actively work with alumni on professional development; even hiring several alum’s to work as paid contractors for SIP projects.

Downtown Detroit Affinity Group
Lunch meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm.  Our group focuses on highlighting businesses, companies and organizations within the Detroit city limits. All are welcome.

View Attendee List

Chairs

Mary Cooney marycooney@getcreativia.com

Deb Scola dscola@michiganhumane.org