National Theatre for the Deaf Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

When was the first performance?

1967

How many people attended the first performance?

6 people

What award did NTD win?

Tony Award

Who is Dr. Edna Simon Levine?

psychologist working in the area of deafness Signup and view all the answers

Match the following individuals with their roles in The Miracle Worker.

Arthur Penn = Director Anne Bancroft = Leading actress Signup and view all the answers

Who is David Hays?

Broadway set and lighting designer Signup and view all the answers

What federal grant provided planning funds in 1965?

from the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare Signup and view all the answers

What significant events occurred for NTD in 1967?

A national television program aired, a professional training school was established, and the first national tour began. Signup and view all the answers

Who was NTD's first actor?

Bernard Bragg Signup and view all the answers

What is The Little Theatre of the Deaf?

Created for young audiences Signup and view all the answers

What year did NTD move to its own home?

1983 Signup and view all the answers

Where did the company move in 2000?

Hartford Signup and view all the answers

Where did the company relocate in 2004?

Campus of the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford, Connecticut Signup and view all the answers

What happened in 2012 regarding NTD's location?

Company returned to its original home at the O'Neill Theater Center. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred in 1994?

The National and Worldwide Deaf Theatre Conference had its inaugural session. Signup and view all the answers

How many national tours have NTD and The Little Theatre of the Deaf completed?

over 150 Signup and view all the answers

What is NTD notable for in theatrical history?

oldest, continually-producing touring theatre company in the United States Signup and view all the answers

Where have NTD performed?

all fifty states and thirty-three countries Signup and view all the answers

What types of performances has NTD produced?

adaptations of classic literature, original works, collaborated with well-known artists Signup and view all the answers

What earned NTD an ACE award?

NTD's teleplay of 'One More Spring' Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship of NTD with the hearing community?

inspires hearing community and allows deaf to share culture Signup and view all the answers

When and where was NTD's first public performance?

1967: Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut Signup and view all the answers

How long have they been performing?

over 45 years Signup and view all the answers

In which languages do they unfold their performances?

ASL and Spoken Word Signup and view all the answers

When did the company begin?

1967 Signup and view all the answers

What were the situation of Deaf people in 1967?

No closed captioning, limited job choices, and no 911 service. Signup and view all the answers

What issues arose with booking the first theatrical tour?

Bookers couldn't imagine performances by deaf actors and thought it might only attract audiences out of guilt. Signup and view all the answers

What did NTD do for the Deaf community?

Removed stigma from Sign Language and provided professional training. Signup and view all the answers

What was the first company to tour South Africa?

NTD Signup and view all the answers

What is NTD considered?

"A Wonder to Behold" Signup and view all the answers

What are some extra facts about NTD?

Represented the USA at the Los Angeles Olympic Arts Festival and performed in Taiwan during the Deaflympics. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

National Theatre for the Deaf (NTD) Overview

Established in 1967, NTD conducted its first performance with six attendees.
Awarded the prestigious Tony Award for excellence in theatre.

Founders and Key Figures

Dr. Edna Simon Levine, a psychologist specializing in deafness, conceptualized a professional company of deaf performers in the 1950s.
Arthur Penn, director of "The Miracle Worker," and leading actress Anne Bancroft approached David Hays with the idea to establish NTD.
David Hays is recognized for his contributions as a Broadway set and lighting designer, aiming to introduce American Sign Language (ASL) to theatre audiences.

Key Milestones

In 1965, received federal planning funds from the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
By 1967, NTD launched multiple initiatives: a national television program exploring the concept, a professional training school, and its first national tour.
Bernard Bragg became NTD's first actor, building on his prior professional acting experience.

Development of Theatres

"The Little Theatre of the Deaf" was created in 1968 to cater to young audiences and continues to tour successfully.
In 1983, NTD established its home in Chester, Connecticut, and later moved to Hartford in 2000.
Moved to the campus of the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford in 2004.
In 2012, NTD returned to the O'Neill Theater Center while maintaining a presence at the American School for the Deaf.

Conferences and Collaborations

The inaugural National and Worldwide Deaf Theatre Conference took place in 1994, fostering communication and techniques among over forty international theatres of the deaf.
NTD has conducted over 150 national tours, becoming the oldest continuously-producing touring theatre company in the United States.

Touring and Performances

NTD has toured all fifty states, performed in thirty-three countries, and appeared on every continent, including prestigious venues like the Disney Channel and Broadway.
Their repertoire includes adaptations of classic literature, original works, and collaborations with renowned artists.

Awards and Recognitions

NTD's teleplay "One More Spring," produced alongside Connecticut Public Television and The Learning Channel, earned an ACE Award.

Community Impact

NTD has significantly inspired the hearing community, allowing deaf individuals to share their culture.
They have removed stigma surrounding ASL, legitimized its use on various media, and fostered a sense of pride within the deaf community.

Historical Context

In 1967, deaf people faced numerous challenges, including the absence of closed captioning, interpreter services, and the American Disabilities Act.
Initial challenges booking performances arose from skepticism about audience reception and the nature of performances by deaf actors.

Unique Achievements

NTD was the first company to tour South Africa post-sanctions and perform in The People's Republic of China.
Recognized as "A Wonder to Behold" for its groundbreaking contributions to theatre.

Additional Facts

Represented the USA at the Los Angeles Olympic Arts Festival and performed in Taiwan during the Deaflympics.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the National Theatre for the Deaf with this set of flashcards. Learn key facts about its history, notable figures, and awards. Ideal for students and enthusiasts of theatre and deaf culture.