Between the Lines: A (Virtual) Play about housgin/schools policy

On August 2nd, the National Coalition on School Diversity will host a virtual performance of Between the Lines, an original play about housing/school policy by NY-based Epic Theatre Ensemble. The performance will be followed by responses from Leah Rothstein, Reginald Jackson, and Cara McClellan and a talk-back with the student actors.

About “Between the Lines”

“Brilliance isn’t allocated along zip code but often your race is.”

The youth artist-researchers of Epic Theatre Ensemble explore the connections between housing policy and segregation/inequity in schools. Their new work, Between the Lines, was commissioned by the Poverty and Race Research Action Council and the National Coalition on School Diversity. How have we managed to parcel out privilege in a public school system that’s supposed to be free and open to everyone? Running time: 23 minutes.

Screen Between the Lines at Your Event: The piece can be screened virtually or performed live, both followed by an after-show talk with cast members. Epic Theatre staff can also lead interactive workshops about Epic’s creative writing techniques from their Citizen Artist Curriculum. In one such workshop, participants explore civic questions using current newspaper articles as the catalyst to create new original scenes and monologues on a social justice theme (in this case, the intersections of housing policy and segregation/inequity in schools).

About Epic Theatre Ensemble

Epic’s mission is to create bold work with and for diverse communities that promotes vital discourse and social change.

Epic accomplishes this mission by:

• Inspiring students to be creative and engaged citizens
• Presenting compelling topics that transform the way people think
• Collaborating with artists, students and thought leaders to produce plays about key issues

Twitter: @EpicTheatr

About the “Epic Next” Program

Between the Lines was created through the Epic Next program, a youth development program designed to develop young thinkers, actors, and leaders.

Epic Next pairs professional artists with selected students from partner schools beginning in a summer lab and extending throughout the school year. Each Epic ensemble artist mentors 2 to 3 students a year in the theatre-making process as well as in leadership development, civic engagement, and college readiness. As the culmination of their work in the summer intensive, students integrate the ideas and concepts explored in the program to create a full-length theatre piece.