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 opening on December 3rd
Black Diamond
Presented by: Discovery Theater
Score a home run with a spirit-rousing musical play about the “other” major league! This updated hit chronicles the struggles and triumphs of pioneering African American baseball players. The all-star lineup of heroes includes Moses “Fleet” Walker, who became the game’s first black pro in the 1880s; Andrew “Rube” Foster, hailed as the father of black baseball; power hitter Josh “Spitfire” Gibson; athlete-philosopher Satchel Paige; and young Jackie Robinson, who first integrated the major leagues. You’ll stand up and cheer for the players who made sports history—and American history, too!
Date: 1/30/2019, 1/31/2019
Time: 10:15 AM and 11:30 AM
Length of Event: 45 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: 1st - 6th
Ticket capacity: 150 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
Here We Go, Team!
Presented by: Discovery Theater
Five-year-olds BG and Sam are aspiring junior soccer stars and best friends on the field and off. They score a big goal in a match, but a mishap (seen in hilarious slow motion) sends them right off the field and into the clinic. There they discover that helping people is really cool, thanks to a friendly team of medical (and musical) stars who make everyone feel great. Letters, numbers, and sing-along songs make this super sports saga extra special.
Date: 1/17/2019, 1/18/2019
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, Math
Grades: PreK - K
Ticket capacity: 50 per date
Supplementary Materials: Learning Standards
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