Imagine a performance made for laughs and entertainment, but without any speaking from the performers. ASL spring showcase was a success this past April 10th and 11th, featuring all ASL student’s sign launguage capabilities. The semi-annual production put on in the Spring and Fall is directed by American Sign Language teacher Kelly Large and helps raise thousands of dollars for the D.E.A.F. foundation. This foundation supports Senior Scholarships for hearing impaired students looking to further their education in ASL.
The show showcased music from nearly every genre, new and old. Some favorites were “Dancing Machine” by the Jackson 5 and the newest internet craze “The Harlem Shake” which surely pleased the entire crowd.
“The diversity in our musical choices really attracted a wider range of audience, and in the end helped raise more money for our cause” junior Riley Porter said.
Along with the songs there were short humorous skits where the cast gave the audience “Ten reasons to learn ASL,” most of which were not true applications of the language.
“The show went very well, better than expected, and even the humorous parts were well received by both the deaf and hearing members of the audience” junior Adam Gilmore said.
But the show was not purely full of humor, for they added in songs such as “Hall of Fame” by The Script to highlight influential people in the deaf community. One of many honored was L. King Jordan, the first deaf Gallandet University President.
The show helped educate the audience and gave them a new appreciation for the deaf community. ASL III and ASL IV students also mentioned how they felt proud to be able to be part of this production.
“We get to unite the deaf community and hearing community by breaking down the language barrier,” junior Roxanne Vega said. “To do so while entertaining the audience is simply an honor.”
The event was an impressive showing of the dedication and success of the ASL program at Carlsbad High School. And this class will continue to impact the deaf and hearing communities in a positive way in the years to come.
