Recently, our Deaf and Hard of Hearing middle school students took center stage (and backstage!) in an entertaining production of Artist Retreat by Matt Smith. The play, filled with quirky characters and unexpected antics, was brought to life by over 40 talented students.
All performers dedicated themselves to mastering stage movements and choreography, projecting their voices and incorporating American Sign Language (ASL) into the script. Backstage, students learned the vital skills that help make a production flow like designing and executing sets, props, sounds, lights, and cues. Together, the entire cast and crew embraced the true spirit of theatre: teamwork and improvisation.
One of the standout features of this production was the seamless integration of ASL into the performance, as it was woven into the script itself. Deaf and Hard of Hearing students used it to deliver their lines while other characters naturally interpreted their dialogue as part of the show’s flow. It was a powerful example of inclusion, creativity, and the magic that happens when accessibility becomes a core component of academic and extracurricular programming.
Reflecting on the play’s themes, Director Olivia Moriarty shared what the audience and participants can take away from this production:
“Connection, community, and found family are at the heart of this story, and of this work we do as theatre-makers. When the world around us is stormy, scary, and sinister, we find strength in community.”
Producer Jaime Alberts strengthened the production’s commitment to inclusion by leading the creation of a new seating section designed for interpreters and those requiring interpretation. Through the collaborative efforts of Mr. Alberts, CAPS, and the Parents of Performing Arts Students (POPS), we helped purchase 20 new chairs for this section, ensuring all audience members could fully enjoy the show.
Congratulations to all students and staff that participated to make this a fun, entertaining, and comedic production! We can’t wait until the next one.