LaTanya Jones was one of the original members of the Stella Adler Outreach Division’s Women’s Theater Project when it started five years ago at Rikers Island Correctional Facility. Since then she has come home and is currently part of the ensemble of Outside/In, the studio’s re-entry program, which will be presenting new work in December. Ms. Jones recently reported on her journey with the studio:
“Stella Adler Studio of Acting offered me a new lease on life and I willingly & gratefully grabbed it with two hands and I never want to let it go.
As I told many if you in my missives from prison the studio was a part of my life line. You provided me with the oxygen I needed to breath. I knew unequivocally that I would soon receive one of those fine envelopes with a letter full of love, encouragement, and hope.
Now I’ve joined society and lucky for me the narrative hasn’t changed. You are all still colored with love, and I appreciate each of you. I will continue to be part of the Stella Adler family as long as you’ll have me.
The most important thing is (that) returning to anything remotely close to my past is not an option. I’m rebuilding with my young daughter and reuniting with the rest of my family. I have been homeless since my release, but I am grateful for my freedom. I sleep nightly in a shelter. Each morning I board the A-train to report to a job as a Case Manager; where I ironically help other homeless people.
I’ve stopped complaining about what I don’t have and appreciate what I do have. I live enthusiastically, and look forward to my classes at Stella Adler. I believe the best is yet to come.”