Published by: California School for the Deaf, Fremont
California News Volume 124 • Number 16 • May 8, 2009
In this issue: • High School Spring Play • A Parent's Story • Parent & Staff Social Event • Math Festival • New Swim Club
Proof that mime isn’t the most effective means of communication in “The Deaf Queen” (L-R Brandon Call, Valerie Farr, and Michael Foust)
• ASL: The Earlier the Better! • Cyber Safety • CSD Alumna's Inspirational Story
Article by Heidi Burns Director
“...and the Story must go on...”
In January, actors from CSD's high school department started rehearsing a play called “Mayla the Monkey Girl” about a strong-willed girl who goes on an adventure and ultimately ends up saving an island of endangered monkeys. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the school had to stop working on that play after being in rehearsal for six weeks. This was, as you can imagine, a devastating blow.
California School for the Deaf 150th Anniversary Celebration October 22-25, 2009
Photographs for this issue by Alison Taggart-Barone
Luckily, our company of student actors didn't give up. For an entire week, we wracked our brains trying to figure out what to do. We decided—as a group—to put together an entirely new show in the remaining four weeks. That’s right; this year's dramatic production was put together in four weeks! Costumes, publicity, props, set, lighting; everything came together in only four weeks. But what really makes this show special is the script. The actors on stage also wrote the script. The stories came to us from a variety of sources: family, friends, and even the actors’ own experiences and imaginations. That is what I mean when I say that the new play was even “better.” This play was more than entertainment; it was filled with a heartfelt expression of the things that the acting company holds dear. I was so honored to be a part of this production. I cannot fully express how hard these actors worked—the double rehearsals, the late nights, the weekend hours that they have put in. I have to say, though, that the time commitment pales in comparison to the emotional investment. They put their heart and guts onto the stage. These are quality, hardworking people, and I feel blessed to have worked with each and every one of them. But why attempt the ‘impossible’? What was so important that we couldn’t just walk away? Was it the once-a-year chance to be in the limelight? Perhaps. I think it was actually something deeper. These actors know that theater is a powerful tool, and we couldn’t afford to waste this opportunity to tell a story. Our story. The story must go on.