Our Performers 2022
The Northeastern University American Sign Language and Interpreting Education Program presents this years performers!
James Caverly
Bio: James Caverly is an actor, director, playwright, and Director of Artistic Sign Language. He has performed in Children of a Lesser God at Studio 54. Regional theatre credits include: Olney Theatre Center, Huntington Theatre Co., Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Studio Theatre, Kitchen Theatre Company, and SpeakEasy Stage Co. He has directed works for Gallaudet University, Kent State University, New York Deaf Theatre, and Mosaic Theatre Co. His written works, A Better Place, Surprise Guest, and See/Hear/Speak No Beast have been produced at Deaf Austin Theatre, Deaf Spotlight, and Kent State University, respectively. He also appeared in Hulu’s Only Murders In The Building as Theo Dimas.
Justin Perez
Bio: Justin Perez Was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He was a student at Texas School for the Deaf. He has always been fascinated by American Sign Language (ASL) performance art and storytelling styles. Throughout his teenage years, he had incredibly deep bonds with several of his close friends who also enjoy sharing a variety of ASL stories, and that was where he defined numerous storytelling techniques along with sign language expressions. The more he shared his stories with the public; the more people have asked him to continue sharing his stories.
That was the fuel to his creativity and innovative persona in pushing new sign language art performances. He quickly realized this type of work is something he is passionate about. Justin started receiving offers and opportunities all over the world, including being a Visual Vernacular (VV) teacher at Texas School for the Deaf, ASL tutor at National Technical Institute of the Deaf, ASL model and expert with TRUE+WAY ASL curriculum, and many more. In 2007, he won the ASL Elements national ASL competition with his fan favorite, a Super Mario Kart story. He ultimately aims to bring his Visual Vernacular performance art to the World.
DEAFinitely
Bio: DEAFinitely, Inc. is a non-profit organization that empowers Deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, deaf-disabled and hearing youth representing multi-lingual, cultural, racial and socio-economic diversity to spark social change through mentoring, performing arts and American Sign Language.
Youth ages 7-15 in DEAFinitely’s Performance Crew learn to communicate and work together as a team, expressing positive messages through dance and ASL. Connections developed between youth transcend through the performing arts, mobilizing diverse communities of all ages and backgrounds to bridge cultures, languages and differences. Through DEAFinitely’s mentoring program, Deaf/hard of hearing youth ages 15-22 engage in regular ASL-rich mentoring activities and discussions to deepen connections and develop fundamental skills to interact in the world.
Deaf schools will be performing as well!