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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
In-Person Festival: March 4-8, 2026 in Riverside, CA
About Us
The National Deaf High School Theatre & Film Festival (NDHSTF) is the premier national platform celebrating the creativity, talent, and storytelling of young Deaf performers from across the United States.
Created to elevate the next generation of Deaf artists, the festival offers students the opportunity to perform on a national stage, refine their craft through workshops and adjudication, and express themselves fully in American Sign Language.
Throughout the festival, students experience professional theatre in an accessible language, collaborate with industry leaders, and build lasting connections with Deaf peers from around the country. NDHSTF exists to educate, empower, and spotlight the future voices of Deaf theatre and film.
History of the NDTF
Are you a high school teacher or administrator
that would like to register your Deaf student/s?
Students must be Deaf and enrolled in High School.
Join us for the 2026
National Deaf High School Theatre & Film Festival!
In-Person Festival March 4-8, 2026, in Riverside, CA
at California School for the Deaf, Riverside
Registration for the 2025 Festival is currently closed.
For any questions, please email: NDHSTF@deafwest.org
2026 Festival
The 2026 festival will consist of a 3 day in-person festival of workshops and trainings taught by best in class instructors from the entertainment field. The festival will conclude with a showcase of artistry and performances, concluding in a nationally viewed live talent show.
IN-PERSON FESTIVAL AT CSDR:
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 (Travel Day)
Thursday, March 5, 2026 (Day 1 of Festival)
Friday, March 6, 2026 (Day 2 of Festival)
Saturday, March 7, 2026 (Day 3 of Festival)
Sunday, March 8, 2026 (Departure Day)
2026 Festival Organizers
Support for the National Deaf High School Theatre & Film Festival is made possible by
the generous support from The Kimball Family Fund and our premiere sponsor, the L.L. Foundation for Youth.
FESTIVAL PREMIERE SPONSOR:
ORIGINATING FOUDING SCHOOL:
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