Enterprise writer
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One of the hallmarks of the Madrona Children’s Theatre is that every student gets a chance to perform.
In their upcoming production of “The Boy Friend,” this includes seven deaf or hearing-impaired students taking the stage. “This creates wonderful opportunities; (it makes the musical) more accessible to as many as possible,” said music director Mark Press.
One person helping make this possible is Casey Johnson Pasqua, an Edmonds-Woodway ninth-grader and alumna of MCT. Johnson Pasqua, who herself is deaf, assists the director with coaching the hearing-impaired actors. “It’s a different experience to communicate with my hands and not my voice,” she said. “I use hands to express myself.” Talking to Johnson Pasqua, it’s clear she uses more than just her hands – her face lights up and speaks volumes in expression as she signs.
Johnson Pasqua and others spoke of the heightened awareness and extra levels of communication having hard of hearing actors brings to a play. “You’re really showing more of a connection between the actor and community,” said Johnson Pasqua. “When you have two actors signing, it’s like a triangle with the audience… there is more communication, (which) highlights the relationship.”
“It makes it a really intentional interaction,” said fellow MCT alumna and director’s assistant Elspeth Nolen.
In addition, “It’s really pretty to see the signing of the songs,” said Meadowdale senior Dani Langlie. “It really highlights the visual.”Everyone agreed that having Pasqua Johnson there was essential in allowing the hard of hearing shine on stage. “She’s fantastic,” said Nolen. “She actually causes kids to become better actors.”
Director Ted Jaquith agreed: “(Casey) puts so much effort into making other kids look great.”
Tonight (3/27) we had front row seats at The Boyfriend. What we didn't anticipate was sitting directly in front Lora (Jessup) and Jon (Woods) as they signed. What a wonderful experience! My husband enjoyed watching the interplay of Lora and Jon, as their faces took on the mood of whatever they were telling. I used to use SEE and ASL with my computer student, so whenever the actors spoke too fast, I watched Lora, so I could keep up! Lora and Jon were simply amazing!! Fast, accurate, and so expressive. What I didn't expect, was the wonderful feeling and expression, they embued. It was simply some of the best signing I have seen in years. It was like watching poetry in motion. Thank you SO MUCH, for including signing, especially with such gifted professionals. It enhanced the performance, and I think they should be given a chance to go on stage and bow. Their contributions were magnificant!! Jaye and Wolfgang Lill
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