Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does a person have to know Sign Language to understand your plays?

A: No, you do not need to know Sign Language to enjoy our productions. Every show is performed simultaneously in ASL and spoken English for both deaf and hearing audience members.

Q: Do you use interpreters?

A: Not exactly--we double cast the characters so that deaf actors sign the lines while hearing actors speak the lines. The placement of the hearing actors depends on the show and the director's vision for the show. Many times the hearing actors appear on stage and at other times they are off-stage. For example, in the play "A Midsummer Night's Dream" the hearing actors appeared onstage as elves and fairies, and in the play "Tartuffe" the hearing actors were costumed as members of the French Court and were placed in "opera boxes" above and off stage as if they were attending the play.

Q: I'm not a student at NTID/RIT. Can I be in your shows?

A: Everyone is welcome to audition for our shows--both deaf and hearing students, faculty/staff, community members, and students or faculty/staff from other colleges or schools.

Q: How are people chosen to be in a show?

A: There are many variables, and ultimately it is the decision of the director. We look at a person's talent or skills, experience, GPA, schedule of availability, and so forth, though not necessarily in that order. Once the director has a pool of auditionees they will start to mix and match possible actors until they find what they believe to be their best cast. So, sometimes it depends on who else auditions, the available roles, and how the different people "blend" to create an ensemble cast.

Q; How often are rehearsals, and do I have to come to every one?

A; It depends on the show and the role, but usually actors are not called for every single rehearsal except for the last two weeks before opening. Generally, rehearsals are run Mon-Thurs, from 6:30-9:30 pm with some Sat afternoons...but again, it depends on the show and the role the actor is playing--we try to be as flexible as we can, but it is a time commitment to be involved in a show.

Q: What about classes? What kind do you have, and who can take them?

A: We offer a wide variety of theatre courses ranging from acting, to lighting, to dance, to set construction, to script analysis to theatre history and more! Both deaf and hearing students of RIT take our classes. Credit is also offered through involvement in a play, theatre practicums and independent studies. We also offer a certificate in the theatre. Click here for more information about the certificate program.