A WORLD PREMIERE BY DARRYL STAMP

CELEBRATING TEACHERS, TEACHING, AND BLACK HISTORY MONTH

February 12-March 1, 2026
in the Studio Theatre
at The Rose

THURSDAYS @ 7PM
FRIDAYS @ 7PM
SATURDAYS @ 4PM
(ASL-INTERPRETED FEBRUARY 14,
SENSORY-FRIENDLY & POST-SHOW DISCUSSION FEBRUARY 21)
SUNDAYS @ 2PM

SOLD OUT

60 minutes, no intermission

After 25 years, Kevin is (really) leaving teaching (this time).

But what will happen to the students who might otherwise slip through the cracks?

DUMBED DOWN is a tale of language, loving, and learning inspired by playwright Darryl Stamp's career teaching 11th grade American Literature at Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kansas and Hunter High School in West Valley City.

CAST & CREATIVE

Playwright: Darryl Stamp (bio | blog post)
Actors: Jacob Barnes (bio), Chad Brown (bio), Danor Gerald (bio), Alex Smith (bio)
Director: Jerry Rapier (bio)
Costume Designer: Derek Williamson (bio)
Education Liaison: Aliyah Bacca (bio)
Graphic Designer: Alisha Jones (bio)
Intimacy Director: Rebekah JoAnn Guerra (bio)
Lighting Designer: Emilio Casillas (bio)
Line Notes: Kallie Filanda
Props Designer + Education Coordinator: Sharah Meservy (bio)
Scenic Designer: Janice Chan (bio)
Scenic Builder + Electrician: David Knoell (bio)
Sound Designer: Cheryl Ann Cluff (bio)
Stage Manager: Taylor Wallace (bio)