Deaf Theatre

Deaf theatre is a study and practice that includes plays about and performances by deaf and hard of hearing actors. While deaf performances have their origins in the nineteenth century, especially with the founding of Gallaudet University, deaf theatre as a discipline was defined in the 1960s. This guide will examine the history of deaf theatre and some of the plays that have propelled the movement forward within the larger dramatic community.

Key Dates, Events, & Genres

• 1817 - Thomas Gallaudet establishes the American School for the Deaf. American Sign Language (ASL) begins to emerge as a combination of Old French Sign Language and local and personal signs.
• 1864 - Gallaudet University is founded in Washington, DC. The charter was signed by President Abraham Lincoln.
• 1967- National Theatre of the Deaf is founded.
• 1979 - Children of a Lesser God premieres at the Mark Taper Forum before going to Broadway. It wins the Tony Award for Best Play, and deaf actress Phyllis Frelich wins the Tony Award for Best Actress. She is the first deaf performer to win the award.
• 1991 - Deaf West Theatre is founded.
• 2015 - Deaf West mounts a successful revival of Spring Awakening, combining deaf and hearing actors, that goes to Broadway.