Deaf West Theatre

Deaf West Theatre is a pioneering organization that serves as an artistic bridge between the Deaf and hearing communities. Established in 1991 in Los Angeles, the theatre is dedicated to innovation, collaboration, training, and activism, with a focus on Deaf culture and the expressive power of sign language. Deaf West Theatre is renowned for its productions that seamlessly integrate American Sign Language (ASL) with spoken English, creating a unique and inclusive theatrical experience for audiences. Under the leadership of Artistic Director DJ Kurs, who assumed the role in 2012, Deaf West Theatre has produced several award-winning plays and musicals. Notably, Kurs was instrumental in the success of "Spring Awakening," which began as a small production in Los Angeles and later received multiple Tony Award nominations on Broadway. Kurs is also a prominent advocate and activist within the Deaf community, participating as a public speaker and panelist at various events, including the Berkeley Forum and the 50th Anniversary of the National Endowment for the Arts. The Board of Directors of Deaf West Theatre includes President Ed Waterstreet, Vice President Mark Freund, Secretary Beverly Nero, Treasurer Matt Randall, and board members Steve Baldwin, MJ Bienvenu, Nancy Popovich, Eileen Schultz, Christopher Sepulveda, Patricia Shawn, Branton Stewart, and Ann Wareham. This leadership is committed to maintaining the theatre's reputation for quality, community engagement, and recognition in the arts. Deaf West Theatre's commitment to quality is evident in its track record of producing critically acclaimed and award-winning productions. The theatre has been recognized with numerous accolades, including Tony Awards for "Honor for Excellence" and "Best Revival of a Musical" for both "Spring Awakening" and "Big River." The Ovation Awards have also honored the theatre for its productions, with awards for "Best Musical in Large Theatre," "Best World Premiere Musical," and "Best Production," among others. The theatre's focus on community is highlighted by its unique position as a meeting point for Deaf and hearing artists, fostering a space where connection transcends language barriers. Deaf West Theatre also emphasizes accessibility, which has been a cornerstone of its mission since its inception over thirty years ago. The organization not only creates jobs and launches careers for Deaf performers, creatives, and administrators but also brings together the necessary resources to create truly inclusive and innovative art. In addition to its artistic endeavors, Deaf West Theatre is deeply committed to building systemic racial equity within its organization, the industry, and the larger community. The theatre stands firmly against white supremacy and audism and actively pursues racial justice as part of its equity efforts. This commitment includes prioritizing leadership diversity, intentional policymaking, and equitable community engagement. Deaf West Theatre's dedication to industry change and the pursuit of empathy and understanding is reflected in its numerous special honors, including the International Fete d’Excellence Gold Medal for Cultural Education in Theatre, the Highest Recognition Award by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Champions for Change Award from the Mayor of New York City, among others. Overall, Deaf West Theatre is a beacon of innovation and inclusivity in the performing arts, continually striving to create equity for all and to challenge and transform the entertainment industry with its unique and powerful approach to storytelling.