National Theatre of the Deaf Names Executive Director/President

Dr. Harvey J. Corson, chairperson of the National Theatre of the Deaf (NTD) Board of Trustees, announced the appointment of Mr. Aaron Kubey as the new executive director/president of the NTD effective Monday, November 5, 2007.

Mr. Kubey is currently the artistic director of the New York Deaf Theatre in NYC. He recently produced and performed in Beyond Therapy, which was given a wonderful review by The New York Times. He has had the opportunity of working on numerous television, film, and theatrical productions over the course of his professional career.

Mr. Kubey is a 1994 graduate of the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD) at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. While at MSSD, he performed in the Road Show under the direction of Mr. Timothy McCarty and traveled to over 15 states, Puerto Rico, the Netherlands, and Belgium. In 2006, he earned his bachelor of fine arts degree in theatre studies from the Theatre School, DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. A proud native of Chicago, Mr. Kubey was the first deaf admitted student and graduate from this prestigious institution.

He worked with NTD's Los Angeles Little Theatre of the Deaf from 1995-1997. Over the years, he also worked with the Deaf West in Los Angeles and with the Centerlight Theatre in Chicago before joining the New York Deaf Theatre.

During Mr. Kubey's internship at the Seattle Children's Theatre/Deaf Youth Drama Program in Washington state in 2005, he was assistant director and stage manager. He participated in the Professional Theatre School in Chester, Connecticut, in 1995 under the auspices of the National Theatre of the Deaf.

Dr. Paul L.Winters has served as executive director for four years and has been associated with the NTD since 2001 when he became a board member. He has kept the NTD alive and progressing while going through some difficult times, especially when the federal funding source was abruptly discontinued. This similar situation was experienced by other Deaf theatre and arts organizations throughout the nation. He has led the retrenchment and reinvigoration of the NTD through a variety of challenges during this period.

The NTD really appreciates the interest and financial support from the state of Connecticut to continue its work during this critical time. The Board of Trustees wants to thank Paul for his untiring and dedicated efforts to strengthen the NTD as a theatrical organization and wishes Paul the best in the forthcoming retirement along with his wife and son.

This year, 2007, the NTD reaches its 40th anniversary year with many achievements to its credit. Above all, the NTD deaf and hearing actors/actresses, directors, and cast members have created a new dramatic art form. This art form presents with both signs and voices of beauty and power—one for the EYE and one for the EAR. This unique dual sensory style has expanded the boundaries of theatrical expression, enabling our performances to unfold in two languages—American Sign Language and spoken English—appealing to all audiences, deaf and hearing, everywhere around the world.

Through the magical art of theatre, the National Theatre of the Deaf has created a far-reaching and profound impact on society's perception of Deaf people, promoting increased awareness, respect, and empowerment.

Press release copyright © 2007 by National Theatre of the Deaf. All rights reserved.

Click here for other stories in this issue