Sign Design Theatre includes all children in arts

Company performs plays in American Sign Language

Photos by Steve Andrascik/ViewTop, Valerie Peritz performs a dance number during a rehearsal for the Sign Design Theatre Company’s shows at the Winchester Cultural Center, Sept. 8. Sign Design will perform songs in American Sign Language on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the center, located at 3130 S. McLeod Drive. Bottom, Kyla Plutte, left, and Taylor Hall practice a pirate number. Advertisement

For 21 years, Sign Design Theatre Co. has performed full-length plays, musical numbers and skits in American Sign Language. On three evenings this week, the group is bringing its unique performance brand to the Winchester Cultural Center at 3130 S. McLeod Drive.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m., 40 cast members will present musical numbers in American Sign Language. "The overall basis for the show is to celebrate Sign Design being around for 21 years," said Jackie Gluck, parent liaison for the group.

Songs to be performed include "One Voice," "Seize the Day," "Hard Knock Life," "King of New York" and "Splish Splash."

"It's quality family entertainment here in Las Vegas," said Judy Santelman, vice president on the board of directors for Sign Design.

George Dare will perform with the company on Saturday, and there will be a special tribute to Sign Design each night. Admission for the show is $10 for the general public, $8 for seniors and students and free for children under 5 years old.

All shows are about one and a half hours long, and there is one short intermission, Santelman said.

Kacey Santelman is the group's director, and Dawn Carroll is the assistant director. All cast members in the spectacular are between ages 5 and 16.

On Saturday night there will be a reception held from 5 to 6 p.m. for past and current Sign Design members at the Winchester Center.

Sign Design Theatre is a youth development organization that teaches performing arts, creative expression and American Sign Language to children. The group performs full-length plays and travels across the Western United States entertaining crowds, in addition to offering after-school programs at valley schools.

Through the group, children learn to promote deaf culture, Gluck said. "I think it's a very eye-opening experience."

For more information on the performance, call 455-7340. For more information on Sign Design Theatre or to get your child involved with the group, call 405-7446.