Discovery Theater
Discovery Theater is the Smithsonian Institution's Theatre for Young Audiences. Discovery Theater advances the Institution’s mission to increase and diffuse knowledge through life-enriching educational and cultural experiences inspired by the Smithsonian’s research and collections for DC-region students, families, and adults, and for learning communities nationwide. View more information on their Member Feature Page.
AHFES at Cultural Institutions
Winter Lottery
Events taking place between January and March will be available in the Winter Lottery
Going the Distance
Presented by: Discovery Theater
In this acclaimed show, actors portraying athletes Wilma Rudolph and Jesse Owens unfold the stories of their lives, overcoming disability, illness and adversity to become legends and role models. Based on the original play by Raquis Da’Juan Petree and adapted by national dramatic arts leader Michael Bobbitt with music by acclaimed American composer John Cornelius II, this stirring play melds heritage, history and legacy to deliver a motivational message of hope and encouragement to young audiences. Students will engage in a post-show “Think-back” engagement program developed by Discovery Theater in collaboration with the National Museum of American History (NMAH). The 20 minute workshop, led by actor-educator Xavier Carnegie, builds on the history and themes of the show. Student audience
members will be encouraged to discuss the ways in which the two central figures found motivation to overcome personal and societal obstacles to achieve goals against all odds. Digital educational materials developed by Discovery Theater and educators from NMAH, including resources from the Smithsonian Learning Lab, will be made available to teachers to aid them in exploring and expanding the themes addressed in the show and workshop when they return to the classroom.
Date: 03/03/2020, 3/04/2020, 3/05/2020, 3/06/2020
Time: 10:15 AM and 12:00
Length of Event: 65 minutes
Location: Discovery Theater, Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20024
Discipline: Theatre
Curriculum Connections: Diversity, DCPS Framework for Arts Learning, History/Geography
Grades: 6-8th
Ticket capacity: 125 per performance (Please limit request to approximately 50 students per school, if possible so we can reach as many schools as possible.
Supplementary Materials: Learning Guide; Learning Standards
for Going the Distance
Previous Lotteries
Presented by: Discovery Theater
How many cultures can we be? This vibrant play explores what it means to be Latino, African American, and proud, growing up in the heart of the American melting pot. The story of Celia Cruz, the warmth of mama’s kitchen, and the bustle of city life all play parts in a show that demonstrates that the pulse of the music is the heart of the people. Written with the Young Playwrights' Theater, this is a story of the triumphs of today’s multicultural kids.
Date: 10/4/2018, 10/24/2018
Time: 11:30 AM
Length of Event: 45 minutes
Location: Discovery Theater, Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20024
Discipline: Theatre
Curriculum Connections: English/ Language Arts, Diversity, DCPS Framework for Arts Learning
Grades: 3rd - 6th
Ticket capacity: 10/4 - 100 tickets, 10/24 - 50 tickets
Presented by: Discovery Theater
A brand new play with three great new classic tales. Little Red Hen asks the question "Who will help?" Jack in the Beanstalk proves that small is mighty. And The Gingerbread Man...well, that is just one bad cookie. With some songs, puppets, audience participation (in two languages) this storytime is not to be missed!
Date: 10/5/2018
Time: 11:30 AM
Length of Event: 45 minutes
Location: Discovery Theater, Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20024
Discipline: Theatre
Curriculum Connections: English/ Language Arts, DCPS Framework for Arts Learning, Foreign Language
Grades: PreK - 2nd
Ticket capacity: 50 per date
