My Second Shot

This is my first time in prison; I came with a six year sentence having to serve three years. I first started working with Second Shot Productions in June 2011 when we performed a play on gang lifestyle and the knock on effects of being in a gang. Since then I have also taken part in a children’s play, this was about a small boy who lost his reflection and entered a parallel world to find it again and in this world even the trees and animals could speak. Both plays were performed in front of families as well as other prisoners and prison staff.

I now work for Second Shot Productions, my role is a play facilitator which means I co-facilitate drama projects; I also film these projects and work on the post production which ultimately leads to a professionally authored DVD. When I first started working with the team I had no knowledge of computers or cameras, I now feel comfortable in both areas and I’m often given tasks which involve using both computer and camera equipment and pushing myself to work to a very high standard.

These are some more basic skills I have learnt since being part of the team:

• Spelling

• Reading

• Working as a team member (working with people on a regular basis) 

• Self-confidence

• Social skills (speaking to groups and unknown people) 

• Self-control (controlling my emotions and anger)

All these skills will help me when I am released to make a better life for me and my children, not only if I chose to work in a creative industry, but if I was to pursue further education or perhaps even gain employment in the construction industry, all these skills will make me a more efficient worker and a valuable asset to my employer.

Here at Second Shot Productions we are now working towards two highly recognised qualifications, the Silver Arts Award and the BTEC National Award. Both qualifications are a privilege for anyone to gain but I feel even more privileged as I will gain these qualifications while serving my sentence in HMP & YOI Doncaster.

Second Shot Productions has given me a 'second shot' at life, providing me with the opportunity to come back and work within the team when I am released, which would give me the chance to work with and help other offenders the way I have been helped as well as gaining the knowledge I will need to pursue a career as a creative professional. 

Thank you to Cat Jones and everyone working at Second Shot Productions.

Article written by Craig G., a serving prisoner at HMP & YOI Doncaster.