When I think of MSSD, my roots related to my Deafness, my identity of who I am. I remembered the fall Theatre Festival. I've learned a great deal about who I am and submersed myself in my culture where I truly felt I belonged.

There was a play within theatre showcase, about three different performances that were going to happen that fall. It was the fall of 88, the air begun to turn a crisp freshing cool. Despite the constant barage of sirens from police shooting, and darting through the streets. All you can hear was sirens almost twenty four hours a day. I went to my usual first period class and had my usual normal day. I was exceptionally looking forward to science, not particularly with a teacher named Fred Bone. Nice man, but personality wise was not the type to teach. But who was I to judge, for he taught at the school for almost twenty something years. I had the most hated teacher in school for english. Dennis Downey, well known as the "King of Detention Hall". Man no matter what you did, whether you missed your homework or comeing from the restroom just shy of beating the bell. He gives you detention hall no matter what. A constant smoker. You can always smell the cigeretts on him. The stench was so strong you almost had to stand back at least three feet just not to get sick.

One evening, Tim McCarty auditioned students for their talents for varioius theatre festival showcases. I just so happened to get a part for a "working" or in developing play. What this means, the script is written around how we portrayed ourselves. Ultimately it was based upon our experience with Deaf President Now. Although I was not there physically to participate in the protest, my experience as a deaf person really propelled me to understand what Deaf Culture was about.

The theatre now known as Theatre Malz in honor of a former teacher and mentor to the Theatre Program. I have to say I am very honored to have been able to meet him and mentored by him during my four years at MSSD from 88-92. Eric Malz was on hand to give us all tips and advice how to express ourselves and how we relate not only to each other as actors, dancers, crew. But to the audience, how they see us as actors, dancers and in general, performers.

  Eight weeks and we finally had a finished product. Tiring and excited, I've never felt so pressured to do my best before. But more so I was nervous to deliver my lines in ASL. Being a new signer, I always wondered would my peers accept me or reject me.

Emily and Betsy Meynardi were co-directors of our performing troupe. We went through a series of team building workshops and interviews. It was almost as if she was writing a book about us. But it was us, the students who were writing our own scripts.