Teacher Resources

Welcome teachers! My name is Ellen Powers, and I am the Artistic and Dramaturgy Apprentice here at Olney Theatre Center, as well as the Research Dramaturg for this production of Long Way Down. That means that I research certain information related to the show being performed to provide better context and background for the actors and members of the creative team. This information varies depending on the show, but for Long Way Down, it included the original novel and interviews with Jason Reynolds, themes of the musical and novel, lots of insight into hip-hop culture and music (including an interview with the writers), and more! This website serves as the dramaturgy packet, or the one place where all of that research is curated for folks to access. It now includes lesson plans and resources put together by our lovely Education team, including Derrick Buie, our Education and Community Engagement Apprentice, as well as Rebecca Dzida, Director of Education and Training! Feel free to check out the rest of the website if you would like, but this page is where the resources you will need are located. Embedded into this page is the document with the lesson plans, which you will be able to access below!

 Thank you for joining us for Long Way Down!

This document includes: 

• Information on theatre etiquette

• Activity 1: Word Play (suggested for grades 7-12)

• Activity 2: Rule Breaker (suggested for grades 7-12)

• Bonus Activity: Questions (suggested for grades 7-12)