Deaf Theatre History

Deaf theater has been an active cultural aspect of the Deaf community as early as the late 1800’s (Bradford & Sandahl, 2005, p.86). When the first Residential schools opened for the Deaf, many teachers searched for ways to entertain students on weekends when many felt homesick. Storytelling and performances were introduced after the establishment of literary clubs, which had the purpose of helping students improve debate and signing skills (Miles,1974). After the establishment of Gallaudet and other Deaf residential schools and colleges the tradition of talent shows that included; skits , plays, solo performances and adaptations based on English literary works became widespread (Miles, 1974). The Silent movie era was also another key component …show more content…
There are several other professional companies across the world. Australian Theatre of the Deaf (1967), International Visual Theater in France (1976), and many more. After its creation, NTD went on tour with varying productions, bringing the joy of live theater to people across the country and across the world. They became the first deaf company to perform in Western Europe as the Moscow Theatre group had not traveled outside of Russia. Members of NTD traveled to other countries and were instrumental in the development of international theatre programs (International Visual Theatre, Australian Theatre of the Deaf, etc.) As of 1992, NTD has performed in 32 different countries spanning five …show more content…
club continuing female performances. But in 1935 under Irving Fusfeld SNDC dropped the “Saturday Night” and misogynist separation from women to create the first co-ed dramatics club (Kilpatrick, 2007). This resulted in a larger group which made it possible to present the first full fledge theatrical production in Gallaudet history; Volpone in 1936. The show was a major success with 275 in attendance and receiving much praise. Other changes such as “readers” and supervision and assistance with sign production were first featured in Volprone and topped off with a curtain close dedicated by students of the college (Linza, 1999). The club would forever remain co-ed and established the tradition of annual productions for then on. In 1938 at the urging of Leo Jacobs, a member of the club, an amateur night was established to find new talent and potential among students (Miles, 1974). This also, brought in more students interested in joining the dramatics club and increased to the number of productions that were now offered (Miles, 1974). But most importantly Gallaudet began to seriously consider theater as a serious course for study (Linza,