So, Boom

Before her younger sister heads to jail, Sweet Tea has one night to deliver a “how to jail” crash course based on her own time locked up.

So, Boom: a short film coming Spring 2025

About Tiny and Abby

Tiny Cruz and Abby Pierce have been teaching improv theater together to incarcerated youth at Drama Club for the last 5 years. They haven't counted, but they've put on lots and lots of shows around NYC with the youth at Riker's Island, Crossroads & Horizon Juvenile Detention Centers, and The Apprentice Program. Tiny also stars in the film, and absolutely nails her first-time acting! Abby directs. Tiny drew on her own experiences from when she was an incarcerated teenager. Tiny is a determined and outspoken advocate for youth who have been caught in the criminal legal system. She believes every person deserves to be heard, no matter their circumstances.

In the making

Tiny and Abby co-wrote "So, Boom". The first draft was written in jail, while they waited for the improv class they were teaching to begin. Tiny was telling Abby about staying up late on the phone with a friend, trying to prepare her for turning herself in to the police the next morning. They flipped over a blank attendance sheet, and started writing.

From there, a process of two years of writing the script, fundraising, and pre-production for "So, Boom" began. The 3-day shoot went beautifully thanks to our producer, Hannah Welever, and the incredible team she put together.

Where do Sweet Tea's "rules" in the film come from?

Some came from Tiny's personal experiences, but a lot of rules and advice were influenced by our students who are currently incarcerated teens. Through improv exercises and conversations, these young people explored how they would help someone on their first day in jail and what advice they would share. For example, the rule “Be Yourself” came from a theater class of young men at Riker’s Island. They expressed a deep value for authenticity, which makes sense when you have to share all your time with the same people in small spaces, everyday.

Why did we make this movie?

Hi,

In New York City, it costs almost a million dollars per year to incarcerate one juvenile. holy. shit. There's not an effective philosophy or a clear mission being served to these kids with this kind of money. If we have any desire for rehabilitation, we need to do better. We need to talk about this. So, let's talk--

Tiny and I go into carceral facilities every week and work with teenagers managing impossible conditions. Our job is to carve out and offer them a safe space to play. Play has the power to be as disruptive as violence. Play changes the tone of a room. Play is a radical response. It is so much fun. It's good for you.

Creating opportunities to enjoy the goofy parts of yourself and process sad parts of yourself are some of the gifts of theater that these young people get to experience. Yes, and... joyfully collaborating is a beautiful way for them to get to know each other.

"Good theater skills make good life skills."

In every improv class, someone always blossoms in a surprising way. Our shows are like springtime.

Seeing ourselves in stories is a human need. This film gives us the opportunity to show these young artists a piece they helped create. We plan to screen "So, Boom", with the support of a social worker, to youth participating in our program.

Making this film was also a special opportunity for many of the cast and crew to participate in telling a story that effects their lives personally.

If any of this resonates with you, please reach out to us at soboomfilm@gmail.com

Let's talk.

--Abby