Deaf West Theatre, Inc. (DWT) was founded in 1991 to directly improve and enrich the cultural lives of over 1.2 million deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who live in the Los Angeles area. To date, DWT has produced over 40 plays and 4 musicals, won more than 80 theater awards, performed on Broadway, and has been nominated for one Tony Award. For its unique vision and artistic excellence throughout its eighteen-year history, DWT is recognized as the premier sign language theater in the United States. DWT has consistently strived for the highest artistic quality by bringing together some of the most exciting theater professionals from the hearing world to work with deaf and hard of hearing actors of the highest caliber in ambitious American Sign Language adaptations that range from contemporary masterpieces and original works to the classics. DWT has helped launch and nurture the careers of many of today's most recognizable deaf actors. DWT's productions and internationally acclaimed educational programs have contributed significantly to the vibrancy of deaf culture and American theater.

MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS

In DWT productions, spoken English and American Sign Language (ASL) are interwoven for both hearing and deaf cultures into a 'third language' creating a unique theatrical event. The seamless ballet of signing, movement, and spoken—or sung—English that emerges, makes great works of theater fully accessible for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Behind the scenes, there are professional deaf and hearing actors, directors, designers and technicians. DWT employs extra effort to translate scripts to American Sign Language and to provide continuous interpretation so seamless creative dialogue flows. In this unique approach to creating and presenting theater, visual and verbal languages compliment one another and provide an enhanced theatrical experience for all.

See a list of all productions.

TOURING/PARTNERING VENTURES

DWT's professionalism and innovative spirit have resulted in numerous offers to collaborate with some of the leading theatrical institutions in America. Past examples include Broadway’s Roundabout Theatre’s production of Big River, Los Angeles’ prestigious Center Theatre Group’s productions of Big River, Sleeping Beauty Wakes and Pippin and Pasadena Playhouse’s Open Window. The success of past collaborations like these indicates a great deal of promise in terms of how future projects can continue to preserve deaf heritage and further deaf culture at mainstream events across the nation.

EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH

DWT’s world renowned educational programming addresses the needs of deaf students in Los Angeles schools by providing access to learning through performing arts, exposure to ASL and an orientation to deaf culture. We collaborate directly with schools and school districts to market, craft and implement programming that provides inclusive exposure to literature and the performing arts, builds confidence and community and illustrates the abilities of the deaf.

ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS

Under the leadership of Founding Artistic Director, Ed Waterstreet, DWT engages deaf, hard of hearing and hearing actors, designers, technicians, instructors, and staff. DWT has a 10-member Board of Directors, two full time staff, five part time staff and over 50 volunteers. Artists are contracted each season under the Actor’s Equity Association’s Los Angeles 99-seat waiver plan and Theatre for Young Audiences.

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