Auburn Correctional Facility

Sandra Oyeneyin

Sandra Oyeneyin is a graduate of Cornell University and volunteered with the Phoenix Players Theatre Group in the spring of 2014.

She first learned about the group through professor Bruce Levitt as part of her thesis research on prison theatre. While volunteering, Sandra participated in various skits and exercises with the men of PPTG and even performed with them during their spring show titled, “An Indeterminate Life.” Her favorite memory of her time at PPTG was when she played Leroy’s son, Nac'cir, in the pieces “Na’cir’s Google Search” and “A Step-Dad? No Way!” Sandra also performed her own piece, “Sister Sandra,” alongside Leroy, who played her younger brother, Samuel. PPTG not only taught her about the justice system, but also how the transformative power of art can be used to make a difference in people's lives. Having the opportunity to rehearse with, talk to, and perform with the men of PPTG was the highlight of her undergraduate career. Post Cornell, Sandra has coordinated and produced a variety of shows with credits from National Geographic, Investigation Discovery, The History Channel, Fox, and The CW. Her ultimate goal is to create content with a message and specifically, to inspire the next generation to think about social issues. Sandra is extremely grateful to PPTG for allowing her to join the family and share her story. See a chapter from Sandra's honor's thesis on PPTG.