DEAF WEST THEATRE COMPANY INC

Studio City, California, 91602 United States

Mission Statement

Since its founding in 1991, Deaf West Theatre has been a beacon of innovation and inclusivity, engaging artists and audiences in unparalleled theater experiences inspired by Deaf culture and the expressive power of sign language. Committed to innovation, collaboration, and training, Deaf West Theatre serves as the artistic bridge between the Deaf and hearing worlds. Our mission extends beyond the stage; we are dedicated to advancing the accessibility needs of the Deaf community through engaging arts projects across various mediums, reaching diverse audiences. Our projects speak to a wide spectrum of perspectives, embracing both hearing and Deaf viewpoints. Designed to advance equity and create impactful change, our work addresses the crucial need for active visibility and representation in the Entertainment Field. Deaf West Theatre proudly elevates Deaf arts entities as integral cultural and community anchors, contributing significantly to the vibrant landscapes of both Los Angeles and New York. We strive to expand the definition and understanding of art and cultural life within the Deaf community, fostering awareness and visibility for the incredible wealth and diversity of Deaf arts and culture. Our commitment is to continue breaking barriers, creating powerful impact, and celebrating the richness of Deaf arts, ultimately enriching the cultural fabric of our society.

About This Cause

Deaf West Theatre led by Artistic Director, David Kurs and Managing Director, Jeff Perri, engages artists and audiences in unparalleled theater experiences inspired by Deaf culture and the expressive power of sign language, weaving ASL with spoken English to create a seamless ballet of movement and voice. Committed to innovation, collaboration, and training, DWT is the artistic bridge between the Deaf and hearing worlds. Recent and past productions include the groundbreaking production of Beethoven’s only opera Fidelio with the Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by Maestro Gustavo Dudamel; an exciting new play adaptation of Oedipus at the Getty Villa Museum directed and adapted by Jenny Koons; The Solid of Life of Sugar Water by Jack Thorne; Our Town, in a co-production with the Pasadena Playhouse; Edward Albee’s At Home at the Zoo, in a co-production with the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts; Spring Awakening the Musical, which transferred from Inner-City Arts to the Wallis and then to Broadway (three Tony Award® nominations including Best Revival of a Musical); American Buffalo (Los Angeles Times “Critic’s Choice”); Cyrano, a co-production with the Fountain Theatre (Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Production); Big River the Musical (Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle and Backstage Garland awards for Best Musical in its L.A. premiere, a Tony Award® nomination, and four Drama Desk Awards on Broadway); Pippin, produced at the Mark Taper Forum in a co-production with Center Theatre Group; Sleeping Beauty Wakes, also a co-production with Center Theatre Group, presented at the Kirk Douglas Theatre; Oliver! (Ovation Award for Best Musical) and A Streetcar Named Desire (Ovation Award for Best Play). In 2005, DWT was selected to receive the Highest Recognition Award by the Secretary of Health and Human Services for its “distinguished contributions to improve and enrich the culture lives of Deaf and hard of hearing actors and theater patrons.” To learn more visit deafwest.org.

DEAF WEST THEATRE COMPANY INC
11333 Moorpark Street #75
Studio City, California 91602
United States
Phone 818 762-2998
Twitter @deafwest
Unique Identifier 954315054