Beyond Prison Walls 2025

Playwrights Project partners with San Diego State University to present the 13th season of Beyond Prison Walls, featuring scripts written in our Out of the Yard program at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility and Centinela State Prison.

These heartfelt and inspiring plays demonstrate the compassion and creativity of the writers in our arts in corrections programs. Students in SDSU’s School of Theatre, Television, and Film will direct and perform these short plays. Each performance includes all of the plays listed below and is followed by a conversation with audience, artists, alumni and representatives from the correctional facilities.

Jan 23 | 7:00 PM
Jan 24 | 7:00 PM
Jan 25 | 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

FREE | SDSU Conrad Prebys Theatre

Featured Scripts:

Wise Man
by Joshua Asimovic

Enough is Enough
by Alejandro Martinez

Good Reasons
by Mario Mercado

Reflections of a Graveyard
by Antoine Abdullah Pittman

Don't Judge a Book
by Ivan Vazquez

Screaming Silence
by Czech

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Donations to Playwrights Project are welcomed to support future programming.

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This program is supported by the California Arts Council and the Sidney E. Frank Foundation. Out of the Yard programs inside correctional facilities are provided in partnership with the William James Association and supported by the California Arts Council's Transformative Arts Program.

Driving Directions to SDSU's Conrad Prebys Theatre

There are several places to park at SDSU. Street parking is available near the campus as well as in paid parking structures.
The closest structure is Parking Structure 12 (PS12).

• From I-8 exit onto College Ave. and head south (from I-8E this will be a right turn; from I-8W this will be a left turn).
• Turn right at the first traffic light south of the I-8 onto Canyon Crest Drive.
• Follow this road around to the left and up a hill.
• Turn right at the top of the hill (stop sign).
• The entrance to the structure will be on your right.
• Parking is permitted on levels 3-8 (bridge to Plaza is located on level 8). Do not park in spaces marked SP.
• PS12 can also be access from Montezuma Road and 55th Street.

Once parked, be sure to pay for parking:

• SDSU has recently updated their parking payment system. Permit purchases can be made via the PayByPhone smart phone app or online by visiting PayByPhone's website.
• You will need the Location Number, your License Plate Number, and a debit or credit card..
• The Location Number will be posted on signs nearby your parking spot. Parking Structure 12's Location Number is 28512.
• More information on this new parking system can be found on SDSU's website.

Navigating Campus to Get to Conrad Prebys Theatre

Via Uber or Lyft

• Have the driver drop you off at the main entrance of campus, at the intersection of Hardy Avenue and Campanile Drive.
• Walk along the side of the bike path past the soccer field and construction.
• You will see a sign that says Theatre on your left. Our check in table will be set up there. (See the purple line on the map.)

From Parking Structure 12 (PS12)

• Park on the top floor (level 8) and take the elevator to level 8 to access the pedestrian bridge to the WEST Campus. (See the black line on the map.)
• Cross the pedestrian bridge at the southeast of the structure following signs to the Performing Arts Plaza (not Viejas Arena).
• Once across the bridge, turn left.
  • Look for signs with the Playwrights Project Logo
• If walking this distance poses a problem for members of your party, please call for drop-off instructions.
• For other parking options and to see an interactive map, visit https://sunspot.sdsu.edu/map//index.jsp

BY TROLLEY
The GREEN LINE stops at SDSU and the transit center is located near the new Aztec Student Union. Upon exiting the trolley, follow the path outside and up the walkway. The Outdoor Amphitheater (OAT) will be ahead of you on the left. Follow this walkway across Campanile Walk (look for the large outdoor sculpture). The drama building is across from the music building.

For additional information or questions, contact Playwrights Project at write@playwrightsproject.org.

Testimonials

"Accurate portrayal of the guys inside and this program accomplishes a few things: 1) You have humanized the guys to the outside eye, 2) You brought a rare opportunity to these guys to experience some "outside" in a very personal, meaningful and impactful way, 3) You gave our family a gift and we are grateful."
 
- The parent of an Out of the Yard playwright

"We all wanted to let society know that we're human beings who made some terrible mistakes in life and we're trying to reflect, make amends, and restitution and want to change our lives."
 
- An Out of the Yard Playwright

"I never realized that other people felt the way I do."
 
- A foster youth after a Telling Stories performance