National Deaf & Disability Awareness Month Event at Mount St. Mary's University

From: Mount St. Mary's University - Oct 18, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Kate Charuhas
301-447-5366, charuhas@msmary.edu

Wild Zappers to Perform at Mount St. Mary's University

Emmitsburg, Md.—The Wild Zappers, an all-male ensemble from the National Deaf Dance Theatre, will give a performance at Mount St. Mary's University combining jazz, funk, and hip-hop dance styles with American Sign Language and popular music to create an upbeat cultural performance that celebrates the deaf experience. The performance will take place on Thursday, October 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mount's Knott Auditorium.

The event is free and open to the public.

Founded in 1989 by Irvine Stewart, the Wild Zappers give deaf male dancers the opportunity to dance together and to encourage deaf awareness in both hearing and non-hearing communities.
Fred Michael Beam is both the director and a dancer for the Wild Zappers. "Beam is an outstanding and delightful performer, accessible for all audiences, bar none. His artistry transcends any disability," says a spokesperson for the Discovery Theatre, Smithsonian Institution. The Wild Zappers have won the Media Access Award for their television shows "The New Kaptain Kangaroo" and "The Lonely Little Monster." They also have a music video with Emmy Award winner John Lithgow called 'The Christmas that Almost Wasn't. "

The Wild Zappers have performed at the Kennedy Center, Gallaudet University, Miss Deaf Maryland, the Deaf expo in L.A., and Walt Disney World. In addition, they have had numerous international tours including Japan, Jamaica, and the Virgin Islands.

For more information, please contact the office of communications at 301-447-5366 or Office of Intercultural Development at 301-447-5720
Paulett McIntosh