From “problematic” prisoner to “Sing Sing” star

Clarence Maclin: I came to the chapel to take care of some business that I had to do while I was in prison, and the yard was closed because of a bad storm, so we all had to go to the chapel to meet. And there was a play being performed. I had already heard about the RTA program, and there were already great men involved in this work. When I went down to watch a play, I saw people on the stage creating this art. I expected everyone on the stage to be civilians who just came in for entertainment—like it was a zoo or something. But I saw the brothers up there, and they were creating art. And they were doing something beautiful. They were respectful, they were respected. And I wanted to be a part of it.

But it takes a year without any violations or trouble in prison [before you can join RTA]. And that was very difficult for me at the time because I was prone to trouble. I was always in trouble. But I did it. I didn't get in any trouble for a whole year and I made it into the program.

I can't imagine what it's like to be out of prison for a while and then be asked to return to this world – to the person you were years ago. Did you have to think long and hard before you said yes?

Of course there are fears about going back into lockdown, about just voluntarily going back to hell. However, the purpose of why we were doing this outweighed all fears. The message we were conveying in this film had to get out. It had to resonate with people who are locked up, with people who are not locked up, with people who are trapped in ideologies that keep society stagnant. Sometimes you have to show people how to release their emotions. Maybe that's why the theater was created.

What did you learn about acting from working with Colman Domingo?

I learned the difference [between] Screen and stage. I learned in a prison with terrible acoustics and a bad sound system, so I had to learn how to make sure everyone in the room heard every announcement and knew that I was speaking with punctuation and not just running off my periods. Even if I was whispering, it had to be loud so everyone could hear. And he taught me how to put that on this eight-inch screen. You don't need a big, fancy room – pull it in and boom, pull it in and pull more out.

What is it like to see yourself in the film?

I never used to like watching myself act because I see the mistakes. I see the flaws. But now I'm learning to just appreciate the result. It turned out the way it did and it's beautiful.

What do your family and friends think?