DEAF ACCESS

The nationally recognized Deaf Access Program at Imagination Stage gives students who are deaf, hard of hearing, and Kids of Deaf Adults (KODA) an ongoing opportunity—together with hearing students—to use performing as one of the senses. Guiding them is our production staff of deaf and hearing directors, playwrights, sign masters, choreographers, composers, set and costume designers and guest artists.

Free Acting Workshop for deaf, hard of hearing and hearing students
Monday, December 10th, 6:30-7:30pm

This fun evening is a chance for students interested in the Junior Deaf Access class to meet the new instructors: Diane Nutting  and LuisRay Aguilar. (see bios below)

Class registration will be available on site and students who register that night will get a free nylon backpack.

The deadline to sign up for the sample workshop is November 30th.

Contact Lisa Agogliati for more information or to sign up for the workshop
lagogliati@imaginationstage.org, 301.280.1631

BIOS

LuisRay Aguilar, who is deaf, is a Company member with Quest: Arts for Everyone under the direction of Tim McCarty.  He was last seen in Quest's I Carried the Flag, and also Quest's The Office which debuted in Vienna, Austria.  Other work includes a guest role on NBC's Conviction, several roles in The Caucasian Chalk Circle for Open Circle Theatre, Henry Reyna in Zoot Suit at Gallaudet University, ensemble member in Mosaic and Road Signs for Quest for Arts.  LuisRay received a B.A. in Graphic Design from Gallaudet University in 2003.  He also received theatre training from Quest for Arts, QuestFest '06, and from Tim Chamberlain and Monique Holt at Woolly Mammoth.  In addition to his acting work with the Quest Company, he also conducts acting workshops for children and adults at schools and special events which include a recent presentation the International Sign Language conference this fall. 

Diane Nutting, who is hearing, is also the Director of New Initiatives: Education for Imagination Stage, and has been part of Imagination Stage’s teaching faculty since January of 2007.  Prior to her arrival at Imagination Stage, Diane was Director of Education for City Theatre Company in Pittsburgh, PA.  Diane holds an MFA in Drama and Theatre for Youth from the University of Texas at Austin, and for over 15 years has worked with students K – Adult across the country.  Her theatre experiences with the Deaf community include working at NTID (RIT) Performing Arts Department, National Theatre of the Deaf, LIGHTS ON! Deaf Theatre (Rochester), Texas School for the Deaf, Gallaudet University Young Scholars Program, Model Secondary School for the Deaf Performing Arts Program, Deaf Way II, Quest: arts for everyone, and the Western PA School for the Deaf.  

Questions about Deaf Access? Contact your Mentor!

Lisa Agogliati, Deaf Access Program Director lagogliati@imaginationstage.org
v 301-280-1630  tty 301-718-8813

FALL CLASSES

Deaf Access: Creative Drama, Jungle Adventure
AGE 3-5 & GRADES K-1
7-WEEKS, October 6-November 17
This 7-week class is designed for deaf and KODA (kids of deaf adults) students only and is conducted in both sign language and voice. In this fun jungle theme based class, students explore animal stories each week through dramatic play, movement and visual art. Interpersonal skills and self-esteem are fostered in a fun and creative environment.
AGES 3-5
- Saturday 10:00-11:00 $115 4992 CLOSED
GRADES K-1
- Saturday 11:15-12:15 $115 4993 CLOSED

Junior Deaf Access Company
AGES 11-15
An exciting opportunity for deaf and hearing students to work together in theatre! During the twelve-week term students will develop skills in the style of visual theatre, which incorporates signing, facial expression, and mime.
All new students must contact Lisa Agogliati prior to registration.
- Monday 6:30-8:00 $295 4991

Deaf Access Company
Grades 9-12
The Deaf Access Company is comprised of deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing student actors who perform children’s stories in a unique theatrical style, which blends sign language with spoken voice. Company members train under the direction of professional deaf and hearing artists during the fall term and begin rehearsals for the production in January. The Company will present their show in conjunction with the children’s exhibit Language for the Eye in March/April 2008. Company Fee: $545. Class #4990.

2007-08 Company Schedule
Rehearsals Tuesday, Sep.-Oct. 6:00-8:30 and Nov.-Feb. 6:00-9:00
Performances March/April 2008

AUDITIONS September 11, 6:00-8:30
Contact Lisa Agogliati at (Voice) 301-280-1630 or email lagogliati@imaginationstage.org to sign up for an audition.
All new students must contact Lisa Agogliati for an interview prior to the audition.