What the Constitution Means to Me: A Journey Through the 14th Amendment
The Arts Asylum is excited to launch its newest initiative that combines theatre with political and legal issues impacting our community!
Join attorney and theatre professional Ashton Botts for a fast-paced, three-week interactive journey into the heart of one of America’s most powerful legal tools: the 14th Amendment. Set against the backdrop of Heidi Schreck’s Tony-nominated play What the Constitution Means to Me, this course is designed for adult learners—no legal or theatrical background required. If you're curious about how our rights are shaped, and how you can take part in the conversation, this course is for you.
We’ll focus on Section 1 of the 14th Amendment, exploring themes of substantive due process, privacy, and equal protection. Along the way, we’ll look at landmark court cases, current legal debates, and local organizations or causes that you can join to continue your community engagement.
*** Enrollment is limited to 12 participants, who are at least 18 years old to ensure quality discussion ***
Dates: Saturdays, August 2, 9, 16.
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: The Arts Asylum
Fee: $80/participant (includes enrollment in the three-week course, along with a hard copy of What the Constitution Means to Me and a pocket Constitution to keep)
Enrollment: Please complete the form below along with your payment to secure your seat.
Course Outline:
Civic Engagement through Theatre presents -What the Constitution Means to Me: A Journey through the 14th Amendment
Week 1: Setting the Stage
We’ll begin with introductions and a conversation about what brings us to this course—and what we hope to take away. Participants will receive a copy of the script and a pocket Constitution, along with a set of guiding questions to reflect on while watching What the Constitution Means to Me live capture. After the viewing, we’ll share initial impressions and assign topics for deeper thought throughout the week.
Week 2: Behind the Play
This week features an in-depth discussion of the play’s key legal themes, including a dramaturgical presentation by Ashton that connects specific moments in the script to foundational constitutional principles and pivotal case law. We’ll also touch on current events influenced by the 14th Amendment and set up the framework for our final session’s focus on action and engagement.
Week 3: From Law to Life
In our final session, we’ll examine how the 14th Amendment continues to shape today’s legal and political landscape—especially in areas like reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and protections for survivors of domestic violence. We'll highlight local organizations and advocacy opportunities so participants leave the course not only more informed, but also equipped to make a difference in the Kansas City community.
About your instructor: Ashton Botts
Ashton brings a distinctive blend of legal insight and theatrical expertise. She holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law and a degree in Rhetoric and Political Communication from William Jewell College. Ashton has served as dramaturg for more than a dozen productions of What the Constitution Means to Me at theatres across the country, offering a rich, interdisciplinary perspective on the play and the legal questions at its core.
for further information, questions or concerns please email Ashton directly at ashtonbotts@theartsasylum.org
