We can’t wait to come together in Lewiston on June 11 for music, story, original theater, the premiere of our new short documentary film, and open community dialogue about what liberation really looks like in our communities. This is a chance for reflection and action alongside one another. 

To sustain and deepen Maine Inside Out’s work to ignite collective creativity and inspire social action by engaging youth and adults impacted by systemic oppression to create and share original theater, we are looking for 2 to 4 new Board members to join us beginning in August 2026.

“Creativity is bringing something out of nothing. You have to imagine it first before you can make it real. So how do we begin to talk about and share about what most people never get to know about? It’s another form of activism, to begin to show audiences the things that people don’t see because there aren’t cameras behind the walls.”

That’s what Maine Inside Out makes possible. And right now, we need your help to keep it going.

The lineup for Maine Inside Out’s Juneteenth events has us full of love! With music, story, original theater, and the premiere of MIO’s new short documentary film, these events invite the public into open dialogue about what liberation really looks like in our communities. At a moment when civic engagement is vital, this is an opportunity for connection and active participation. 

Maine Inside Out is no stranger to big change. Our ability to shift and evolve is part of the strength of this organization - it’s how we’re able to meet each cultural moment with creativity and trust. We are in a moment of evolution, and we want to bring you in close to it. 

Joseph Jackson recognized by Mainebiz as one of 2026 Business Leaders of the Year, Advance Screening of New MIO Film Engages Audience in Dialogue, Juneteenth Premiere: MIO Creative Ensemble, Partner spotlight….

As we emerge from a time of deep groundwork for the work ahead, we are excited to share staff spotlights and important program updates

In this time of rapid expansion of a carceral state, we begin the year with determination by announcing a new Three-Year Strategic Plan and organizational structure at Maine Inside Out (MIO).

The MIO Creative Ensemble performed “Broken Clock” for the final time for a sold out audience at SPACE in Portland earlier this month. During a vibrant and compelling dialogue, audience members resonated with moments of heartbreak and characters searching for love: 

A kid chasing his mom’s car down the street as she goes to her second job. The violence of poverty and of not being able to take care of your child. Not being able to find childcare. Not being able to get your son out of prison. The pain of unanswered phone calls. A lullaby about the baby to prison pipeline - that humans can be marked from birth to end up in a place of dehumanization. How easily we throw people away. 

Join us on Tuesday, December 16, at 6pm for our final event of the year, “Shelter In Place,” a community open mic at LA Arts held in collaboration with Forget ME Not: A Collective Community Art Project Made in Response to October 25, 2023. 

The clock breaks for the final time tonight. Join us for the  Broken Clock TOUR FINALE on Wednesday, December 3, at 7pm at SPACE in Portland, ME!! This is the final public performance and dialogue of “Broken Clock” and a preview of a new film about the 2025 tour that traveled to 4 prisons, 8 counties, and 8 colleges across the state. 

Today is the day! People around the world are coming together to participate in Giving Tuesday. We encourage you to join us in supporting the valuable work of nonprofits in our communities.  

Maine Inside Out (MIO) has a goal of raising $10,000 in just 24 hours. Thanks to supporters like you, we believe it's possible. 

Will you dream with us?

Maine Inside Out needs to raise $75k by December 31. We’re dreaming for communities that thrive in connection, dignity, and accountability. 

Thank you to all who have already donated this fall! Make a gift today, and share with us in the comments: What do you dream for?

Maine Inside Out's latest two performances of “Broken Clock” in Portland and Orono were in collaboration with the University of Maine School of Law and the Maine Youth Action Network (MYAN). 

Join us for the final two public performances of “Broken Clock” in Orono and Portland! 

Thank you to everyone who came out for “Home Bound,” the Lewiston Community Open Mic held last week at the First Universalist Church of Auburn. The event was presented by Maine Inside Out in collaboration with the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations as part of the Haven storytelling project.   

Maine Inside Out is partnering with Penquis Community Action Program, and The Maine Youth Action Network to bring Broken Clock to Bangor! 

Join us on Tuesday, October 28, at Penobscot Theatre Company for the next show. Doors at 1pm, Performance at 1:30pm.

MIO recently held back-to-back performances of “Broken Clock” at the Rockport Opera House and the Beyond the Bars Maine Conference at University of Southern Maine in Portland. The original play about incarceration, gun violence, grief, family, trust, hope, and time is drawing out powerful dialogue that continues to build through each performance.

The fall tour of “Broken Clock” continues this week with back to back performances and community dialogues in Rockport and Portland:

Thursday, October 2 at Rockport Opera House in collaboration with Conscious Revolution & Tapestry. Register for free tickets here! 

Friday, October 3 at the Beyond The Bars Maine Conference at University of Southern Maine (Glickman Library).