TEXAS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Keena Miller – Texas School for the Deaf
512-462-5328, cell: 512-658-4444
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Texas School for the Deaf Students Present Wizard of Oz
Performances: March 31, April 1 & 2, 2011
Austin, Texas – March 2, 2011 Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) proudly announces its spring student drama performance, Wizard of Oz, directed by film actor and TSD alumnus, Russell Harvard (There Will Be Blood).
The cast has been selected, props are being gathered for the set, and translation of the script to American Sign Language is complete. With preparations well underway, the cast is now beginning stage rehearsals for three performances, open to the public, March 31, April 1-2 at the R.L. Davis Auditorium at TSD – 1102 South Congress Avenue.
Harvard was inspired as a second-grader, when he saw his first stage performance with his cousin playing the witch in Oz. “I became an instant fan of the witch, acting, theater, dancing…..I was inspired by the whole show.” Harvard is also passionate about preserving the performing arts in schools. “Performing arts programs, sadly, are often first on the chopping block when budgets tighten. For me, the arts are just as important as drinking water. So it’s my goal to help keep the arts alive at TSD. It’s critical for students these days to have creative outlets and expand their thinking outside of the classrooms and away from the pressures of test scores."
With someone like Harvard directing, students are especially motivated. "They’re energy so far is great, he says, "they’re all enthusiastic. We’re all working together, collaborating on the script, designing the set, and most importantly, having fun. We are promising a great show!”
The Texas School for the Deaf is the oldest continuously operating public school in Texas. Educating deaf and hard of hearing students of Texas since 1856, the campus also provides outreach and educational resources for students, their families and professionals in the field throughout the state of Texas. With educational excellence and a strong belief in a culture and community at TSD, students form a unique identity based on their individual strengths and talents. TSD is an environment where students learn, grow, and belong. For more information about the Texas School for the Deaf, visit http://www.tsd.state.tx.us/.
WHAT: Texas School for the Deaf’s spring drama performance, Wizard of Oz
WHEN: Performances, March 31, April 1-2, 2011
WHERE:
R.L. Davis Auditorium
Texas School for the Deaf
1102 South Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78704