Deaf Jam fun for all

From: East Memphis Appeal, TN - May 19, 2005

Drama club shows off talents of hearing-impaired at White Station

By Randal Jackson and Larry Bryant III,
Special to East Memphis Appeal
May 19, 2005

Some people have asked "what's so cool about Deaf Drama?"

Well, it's fun, it's creative and it's unique.

The Deaf Drama is for deaf or hard-of-hearing people who have a talent for acting. Deaf Drama even welcomes hearing people to be a part of it. We, deaf and hard-of-hearing people, want to let the world know that we can act and dance, as well, just like our King of Drama, Julius Jackson, wanted to do. Deaf Drama members don't act or dance just for fun, but to teach hearing people about deaf culture and to let them know who we are.

The White Station High School Deaf Drama started in 1975. It is the nation's oldest drama club for the deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the public schools. The point of having Deaf Drama is to give audiences an idea of who we are and our culture.

Every year, we always do variety shows. Besides acting, we include dancing, music and comedy. Nondeaf artists are also involved in this club and show. We don't just perform for the high school. We also perform for the elementary and middle schools and other events such as Parent Workshop for the Deaf, Quota Club, etc.

Ryan Gregory, a member of Deaf Drama Club, said, "It has always been my dream to be in the Deaf Drama and it is a great experience."

Many deaf always feel that way -- it's their dream to be in the "spotlight." It's really fun to be behind all of this and show people what we are and who we are.

These are the reasons why Deaf Drama is so cool.

Randal Jackson is a sophomore and Larry Bryant III is a freshman. Both are students at White Station High School.

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