This week, North Texas Performing Arts (NTPA) announced Daymond Sands as the new program director for its NTPA Deaf Theatre.
Sands, who recently was honored with the “Arts Educator Award” from the Art Centre of Plano, will be tasked with producing the NTPA Deaf Theatre’s first major production of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which will hit the stage in November.
The Dallas native has had an interest in the performing arts ever since he was young, having first taken to the stage at just five years old. After completing his Psychology degree, Sands since been pursued his dream as a Deaf actor to perform on stage, sign sing, direct and create his own show.
Prior to his newest role, Sands previously worked as a professional performing artist and an ASL consultant in theatre settings and continues that mentorship to this day.
“I appreciate the Arts Educator recognition from the Art Centre of Plano, and look forward to propelling this program to even greater heights,” said Sands. “I am thankful to North Texas Performing Arts for creating the Deaf Theatre and bringing this opportunity to Deaf performers across North Texas.”
The NTPA Deaf Theatre is part of North Texas Performing Arts’ Accessible Theatre program, which aims to promote equal access to theatre and the performing arts to Deaf and hard-of-hearing youth.
“We are pleased to receive this recognition for this impactful program, and are excited about Daymond’s leadership as we expand this program’s impact,” said NTPA Chief Executive Office Darrell Rodenbaugh. “This builds upon our vision that every child should have the opportunity to take the stage and we couldn’t be more proud to provide this opportunity to Deaf and hard of hearing youth and adults across North Texas.”
The upcoming production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” will be taking place from Nov. 17-19 in the Egelston-Akers Blackbox Theatre at NTPA’s Willow Bend Center of the Arts (located at 6121 W. Park Blvd. B216, Plano, TX 75093).
For more information, or to purchase tickets for the show, visit ntpa.org/deaf.
