MEDIA CONTACT: Vikee Waltrip
Media@ntd.org
Fax: 860-236-4163
National Theatre of the Deaf be at National Association of the Deaf conference in New Orleans
West Hartford, CT (June 17, 2008] – After a 28 years hiatus, the National Theatre of the Deaf will return to the National Association of the Deaf’s Conference once again with an exhibition booth, to be held between July 7-11th. The last time NTD was at NAD was in 1980, during their Centennial event in Cincinnati, Ohio. Under the new direction of Aaron Kubey, Executive Director, NTD is looking forward to presenting a new face to the community, which will include new works by deaf writers and artists.
Mr. Kubey says, “It’s very important for me that NTD is present at NAD, as I am trying to show the community we are still alive and well on our way back. I need the community’s support to help me make all my visions for NTD come true. I hope that a stronger relationship with the community will come as a result by coming to NAD, meeting and listening to what they have to say, and sharing with them what NTD’s future plans are“.
NTD, whose 40 plus years of existence has been a mainstay of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. From every corner of the globe, while performing in front of local school children, to worldwide acclaim in over 100 countries, which in turn has become as commonplace and important as NAD is.
Bobbie Beth Scoggins, President of The National Association of the Deaf had this to say, “ Our culture is built upon historical achievement by deaf persons. Thirty-nine years and 10,000 performances speaks for itself and is an essential part of the deaf identity. It is a significant part of our culture. While performances by individual persons has its own place, it is the product of the NTD body that is of significance. Old timers will recall with fondness the early years of NTD, newcomers can become part of the current contribution of NTD to our cultural image…and remember it when they become old timers. As a former participant in the NTD Little Theatre of the Deaf years ago, I have a certain fondness for this body. The impact of that experience lingers with me yet. It is this kind of impact that NTD is destined to make in the lives of performers yet to come.
NANCY BLOCH, Executive Director of NAD commented: “It is my hope that hearts will be gladdened by the NTD appearance. While some have said that NTD has struggled in recent years, yet, here is NTD still performing. I hope we can have that certain confidence restored by the NTD appearance at the NAD. There will be much hand waving in this place! NTD had done it again!
There will have more announcements at the conference, so come by our booth to find out what they are!