Details
Above Between Below is a touring assembly for middle school audiences designed to engage students in conversations about managing conflicts, bullying and building resiliency. The plot revolves around an embarrassing cellphone video gone viral, physical intimidation and gossip. These events lead to a confrontation between four students who must choose to take action as a person who is targeted and victimized or a person who bullies. Following each performance, students participate in a discussion with the cast aimed to spark further conversation about how conflicts emerge and to brainstorm positive alternatives and outcomes. Above Between Below aligns with the following WA State Benchmarks for Social Emotional Learning.
SELF-AWARENESS: Standard 1: Individual has the ability to identify and name one’s emotions and their influence on behavior.
SELF-MANAGEMENT: Standard 2: Individual develops and demonstrates the ability to regulate emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in contexts with people different than oneself.
SOCIAL MANAGEMENT: Standard 5: Individual has the ability to make safe and constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions.
Seattle Children’s Theatre collaborates with Kaiser Permanente to bring the power of educational theatre to schools and address current topics that impact health. Above Between Below was created by SCT theatre professionals in consultation with educators, youth, community advisory committees, and Kaiser Permanente health providers.
Your School
Grade Recommendation: For Grades 6-8
Running Time: 1 hour
Ticket Price: FREE
“Thank you for presenting your play. It made me feel confident in myself because when I get into situations like that I know what to do. One thing I learned from watching was never be a bystander, be an Upstander.”
– Middle School Student, Tukwila School District
Media


Artists
Cast / Creative

Sherif Amin
Antony

Ana María Campoy
Rayna

Brad Walker
Zumi

Jocelyn Maher
Hattie

Bianca Raso
Hattie/Rayna Understudy

James Schilling
Antony/Zumi Understudy
Production Team
Kathryn Van Meter Director
Ramón Esquivel Playwright
Courtney Sale Dramaturg
Julianna Brie-Crawley Stage Manager
Elizabeth Stasio Production Assistant
Shawn Ketchum Johnson Scenic Designer
Melanie Taylor Burgess Costume Designer
Chris R. Walker Composer and Sound Designer
Geoffry Alm Fight Choreographer