Following a 2022 summer pilot program of youth theater camps, North Texas Performing Arts is now opening its first full-length production by the new NTPA Deaf Theatre, June 30-July 2, 2023.

Titled Deaf Theatre Showcase: A Union of Hands and Voices, the inaugural show premieres at NTPA's Starcatchers Theatre in the Willow Bend Center for the Arts.

“Bringing live theater to the Deaf community in North Texas has long been a dream of many members of our board,” says Lisa McLerory, chairperson of the NTPA Deaf Theatre board. “Every member of our board is part of the Deaf community, either by being Deaf themselves or by being a parent of a Deaf child. We are passionate about the inclusivity of the Deaf community in the arts, and are thrilled to take this first step in making the arts more accessible in DFW.”

By extending its “Accessible Theater” initiative to the Deaf theater community, NTPA builds upon its vision that every child should have the opportunity to take the stage, promoting equal access to theater and the performing arts to Deaf and hard of hearing youth and adults, while encouraging diversity, equity, education, and social inclusiveness.

The inaugural production combines a cast of 33 Deaf and hearing actors ages 8 to adult in a revue inspired by popular Broadway hits.

The showcase highlights the diverse culture of the Deaf, styles of Deaf theater, and passion for this inclusive art form. Actors will share their life experiences following scenes using a variety of Deaf theater styles.

“We are committed to providing the opportunity for those in Deaf community to take the stage,” says NTPA chief executive officer Darrell Rodenbaugh. “We believe NTPA’s support combined with the program leadership, independence, and the unique perspective of this powerful NTPA Deaf Theatre board of directors will make this one of the leading Deaf theater programs in the country.”

NTPA Deaf Theatre is also offering a youth camp this summer that's tied into Showcase, which will be directed by NTPA Deaf Theatre program director Damond Sands.

The camp is a partnership among NTPA Deaf Theatre, Broadway Dallas, and the UTD Callier Center for Communications Disorders. Open to youth in grades 1-12 who are Deaf and their siblings, campers will participate in musical-themed activities centered around one of the core musical scenes featured in the mainstage production, Annie.

Activities include stage tours, set design, assistive technology trials, and costume/lighting/stage sound overviews.

The camp meets June 26-30 and includes free tickets for all campers to attend Deaf Theatre Showcase. Limited spots are available in the camp, and scholarships are available.

Tickets for Deaf Theatre Showcase: A Union of Hands and Voices are $12 in advance and $14 starting June 26.

Original script and direction are by Karen Snapp, music arrangements and orchestration by Rachel and John Morrow, assistant direction by Skye Harp, ASL coaching by Daymond Sands and Mack McGough, and vocal coaching by Wes Davis.

Upcoming NTPA Deaf Theatre programs include a holiday show (title to be announced soon), youth camps, and ASL interpreted performances of shows throughout the year.

For more information, tickets, and camp signups, go to ntpa.org/deaf.