How To Make A Musical For The Deaf

[@RileyPoll]

Finally, a BuzzFeed video I actually care about! I hope it gets more attention to Spring Awakening when people watch this, because it's one of my favorite musicals.

[@notyouraveragething]

spring awakening is my favorite musical and the fact that its being re-done to cater to deaf people makes me so incredibly happy

[@tributedistrict7]

I love the fact of a revival and I love it even more because now almost everyone can have the pleasure of enjoying it ♡

[@mickyyluvsyou]

I wish they had spoken with the director, Michael Arden, about this genius idea. This production was so artfully done and he really deserves a ton of credit for bringing it to audiences.

[@LoriDurant]

mickyyluvsyou facebook.com/deafwesttheatre/videos/vb.53042204854/10153313901779855/?type=2&theater Michael is interviewed in this one.

[@okashi10]

I'm not the only one who thinks they're all attractive, am I? And participating in something like this (as both a deaf or a hearing person) makes them even more attractive...

[@kanaly8338]

Especially Spencer the choreographer! I was like DAMN BABY! seriously, all are gorgeous!

[@zoomzoomgaming6068]

+Mike Kass Nope, she's right!

[@FionnChan]

Nope not the only one

[@청소년형광]

same here

[@idudheebsbzdudbdhddh]

So you are blind instead of deaf?

[@kcorona7715]

I'm so glad musicals and Broadway are making a journey into pop culture without being considered "lame" or "dorky" or "gay."

[@mats-marius]

K Corona although musicals are pretty gay

[@jaypao8203]

They deserved a Tony... no offence to Hamilton tho, it's awesome, but seriously, it's a deaf version of Spring Awakening, they deserved a recognition for the choreography at least ._.

[@Jess-Lynn85]

Check out Sarah Huberts video of her signing Alexander Hamilton in ASL. It will blow your mind

[@Claire-rg8ic]

The only reason they didn’t was cause it was a revival and not the og. That would have so cool if they won

[@binkbonl]

Hamilton was an original musical while this was a revival. They literally aren't in the same category. This could have won best musical revivival for sure tho

[@SEGASister]

They should’ve been nominated for Nest Choreography at least!

[@claire.2551]

Broke.Black.Woke they would have been in the same category for choreography

[@tomochachino]

Spring awakening is such a good musical too 👌🏼

[@EmmaTrumble]

Brandon you, restore my faith in humanity, just that you would take the time out of your day to do this to everyone you have, is incredible.

[@baileym8702]

+Tomomi Sato YES i agree. it was the first one i ever saw on broadway and i thought it was amazing.

[@WayneKerrr]

I’m playing the adult male role in our local production!

[@keziadickensoo88]

No one will understand how much I love Spring Awakening, it's completely ridiculous how much I love it.

[@MaiteLorena5]

Same

[@bareabopopera3091]

I feel you... 😪

[@sherbertfirework9301]

dude same! it’s my favorite musical, I love it with a passion 💙

[@rachel250]

LETS TALK

[@dearinsaniiity]

I've always wondered how the deaf could appreciate musicals. This kind of fulfilled that curiosity. Thanks Buzzfeed.

[@vanessakelley3202]

***** Who are you?! And YOU fulfill MY curiosity... Your'e cool beans dude.

[@theletterbree]

Karen Fajardo On Broadway or well-funded regional theatres, there will be special performances where a translator is provided to translate the dialogue/lyrics, and for blind audiences they can listen to a descriptive audio accompaniment during the show to know things like location/costume/etc.

[@ActualReality86]

Look up Beethoven's Nightmare, all Deaf Rock Band. Also look up CJ Jones (Actor/Comedian, TL Formsberg, and Sean Forbes. You can also see a movie called "See What I'm Saying" Deaf/HOH (Hard of Hearing) can enjoy anything a hearing person can.. :)

[@hohlagh]

Bree Bridger I can't even imagine one translator working on a whole musical, covering the dialogue and the songs. This makes a lot more sense to me.

[@reubenperez7182]

Reuben perez

[@marinao4412]

daniel durant and alex boniello are two very different types of attractive and I think it's beautiful that this production of spring awakening gave people with wildly different tastes the same opportunity to get a crush on moritz

[@gabrielle6307]

I wish it was compulsory for every school in the word to teach sign language because then, regardless of what language you speak or if you are deaf, everyone will be able to talk to one another. It would be amazing.

[@grlloveswim]

Every country has its own sign language. It's not universal.

[@gabrielle6307]

grlloveswim Oh sorry. I did not know that. I do not actually know much about sign language so that's just my ignorance. It is a nice thought though.

[@iSayMonica]

grlloveswim yes

[@grlloveswim]

Gabby Bradley it is a nice thought

[@hannahgricks5305]

Genius!!

[@calialoha25]

Having seen the broadway, first national, second national and regional productions of Spring Awakening, I have to say that the Deaf West's version by far the best version I've seen of the show. I've been a die hard "Guilty One" (SA Fan), of the show and casts. This adaptation however brings a whole different element to not just the story-telling process, but the actual story of miscommunication, angst, and just wanting to be heard. Bravo to this production and so glad to see it highlighted on such a notable pop-culture based medium such as Buzzed.

[@Muikkinen]

Argh people in the comments - get your facts straight!! Sign language is NOT universal, it is different in every country and some countries even have more than one sign language. Also sign language isn't based on the spoken language of a certain country. So for an example the sign order is usually different from the word order of a certain language. Deaf people CAN speak if they are willing to practice, but many of them don't want to learn it, which is understandable since sign language is their natural language. Sign language isn't just some kind of language aid that some one has come up with to help deaf people. Sign languages are completely natural languages that have developed by themselves in the deaf communities around the world.

[@sarahg1663]

Muikkinen Also keep in mind that not every deaf person knows sign language. Many carry on through their day just fine by reading lips, and using other methods. Sign language has to be learned, just like any other language.

[@RANDOMCHANNELIDKHOWTORIDOF]

@@sarahg1663 Deaf cannot hear their voice and it causes speech impediments most of the time so they prefer too sign to communicate they speak with their hands and heart rather than their tongues . #RESPECTTHEDEAFCOMMUNITY

[@sarahg1663]

@@RANDOMCHANNELIDKHOWTORIDOF Yes, i agree

[@rickmanriquez9013]

@@RANDOMCHANNELIDKHOWTORIDOF true

[@theroadtocosplayandcomicco5840]

Now i want to learn all the lanuages and their respective signs.

[@olivecraft9324]

Andy Mientus

[@sisi2654]

The deaf west production of spring awakening is actually what has inspired to learn sign language!

[@B1A4LUV]

deaf people look like the most fun people ever, because of how much emotion they put into their face because they use their movements

[@heatherfleming5468]

It makes me really happy to see people opening up to the deaf community. I have 2 deaf parents and signing to them is a daily thing. It's so beautiful to see others realize that it's not as hard or as separated from english as you might think.

[@moosekalz254]

WHY ARE JOSH AND ANDY SO INCREDIBLY ADORABLE

[@carnagesaintz]

I myself am hearing impaired. I was born deaf and my mom didn't find out until I was two years old. Right now I'm thirteen and throughout the years, my mom has fought to keep me happy. When I was about six or seven, a school I was going to kept trying to get me to learn sign language and my mom didn't want that. Thinking about that back then, I wanted to be able to use my voice rather than my hands to speak. Of course I hated being deaf and I still do, as it makes me wish I wasn't, but either way that's who I am so I can't change that about myself. Since I'm hearing impaired, I can hear a little. Some of my friends are jealous of me because I can just take my hearing aids out whenever it's storming or there's something I don't want to hear. I can kind of hear the storms even with my hearing aids off, but that depends on how loud it is. This video made me happy.

[@maxyperson]

As a hearing person highly invested in sign language and deaf culture, I was extremely excited to see that Buzzfeed posted this.

[@bioshockbombshell]

Wow he's cute. Time to learn ASL

[@sikandaromarkhail6984]

BeastyXEC it is a compliment and I'm losing faith in you because you can't spell losing.

[@aabbiic]

+Symbiote Toxin LOLLL PREACHH

[@sikandaromarkhail6984]

Sorry about that sometimes I get angry at people who get angry at others :/

[@sikandaromarkhail6984]

No problem Other people are dicks

[@Sky-vj5fg]

behold, actual decent people on youtube.

[@laurenorizaga5340]

I think it's truly amazing that the Deaf community has been able to be apart of this and how hearing people have made this musical accessible for the Deaf. It's also raising awareness to the hearing world about Deaf culture

[@DAN123801]

First we saw a blind guy flying an airplane and now we see a deaf guy doing something that a person has all senses can do... We live in an amazing era!

[@grlloveswim]

a video about Deaf people and no captions?

[@quinnwebb6143]

The people are doing signs, so the deaf could use those.

[@grlloveswim]

quinn webb those who are speaking, we cant hear what they are saying.

[@nycto5758]

They are signing and the voices speaking over it are the dubbed translations of what the people are signing.

[@allisongarcia2610]

juliet romeo yeah but she's talking about the people in the video who are NOT deaf and are not signing. such as 2:35-2:47

[@kayotic-]

quinn webb not all deaf/ hard of hearing people know sign language.

[@thiscoolaccount4488]

During the signing parts, I just turned the volume off because I could understand them, as I speak ASL almost daily to my parents.

[@sharkwhale3171]

sameeeeeee omg

[@frenchhornplayer1000]

RetroFan 64 Same! I turned it on mute as well when those rolled around.

[@kk_infinity9876]

Same here!

[@kristi9329]

Unfortunately I don't sign in ASL in sign in English... But I do understand people who do sign in ASL.

[@kabayev]

I was thinking about doing the same because I sign to my parents as well, but figured "screw it, might as well do both" and I noticed that the signing and words weren't 100% accurate, but I guess thats expected.

[@macncheesetv9816]

I had no idea this was a thing. I'm learning ASL and have an obsession with musicals. Hell yeah

[@minipt13]

2:57 this guy's signing actually hypnotized me its so fluid and artistic

[@isabellanebs22]

THIS IS MY FAVORITE MUSICAL OF ALL TIME AND THE DW VERSION IS MY FAVORITE VERSION. I didn't know this interview was a thing; I love all the artists in this whole thing, Andy & Alex in particular also Michael is such a genius for putting it together.

[@12nerdynerd12]

I think buzzfeed should do Deaf culture and what's okay to do and not okay to do( I'm in asl and its surprising how hearing people don't know what's okay to do ) :3

[@grlloveswim]

NellyBell I'm with you there!

[@baileym8702]

+NellyBell yeah i think that's a good idea.

[@Thenotsosocialsocial]

As a college student with an A.A. in ASL and a future ASL interpreter, I thank you for showing people more about deaf culture and introducing the deaf population to the world of drama.

[@aleksandrapietrusiewicz4997]

Wow this vid is indescribable, it's just magical.

[@aleksandrapietrusiewicz4997]

Thank you :D

[@aleksandrapietrusiewicz4997]

Lol

[@DomDomGravy]

That's describing it.

[@SeaSparklesLP]

Moritz' hearing actor giving him the gun at the end is such a cool artistic choice. This production deserved so many more awards

[@juliacleary21]

this is everything I love in one video and musical especially Andy mientus

[@gitagirl9]

FABULOUS production! Seamless interaction between deaf & hearing performers--the signing is beautiful & musical, & the choreography/staging is perfect. Really happy I got to see it in L.A.; New Yorkers are so lucky that it's heading East!

[@ladylala0251]

SOBBING REPEATEDLY OVER THE FACT I SAW THIS

[@ladylala0251]

+Emily Ogden ALSO LETS TALK ABOUT SPENCER LIFF AND JOSH CASTILLE AND A L E X BONEYELBOWS AND IM GOING TO CRY

[@ladylala0251]

+Emily Ogden ALEX WYSE SNATCHIN THAT LETTER LIKE ITS SOMEONES WEAVE

[@anneisaway]

Josh Castille and "alex boneyelbows" yasssss

[@sherbertfirework9301]

OMG YOURE SO LUCKY, _IM JEALOUS_

[@xxdarkknight420xx2]

@@ladylala0251 IT'S BEEN TWO YEARS BUT I'M CACKLING OMG

[@rybur98]

THIS IS AMAZING! Spring Awakening is one of my favorite musicals. It's amazing that they've brought this to the deaf and the production seems like it would be beautiful

[@philippeserrano7802]

"I love music, it's really been wonderful" I hope you could really hear music.. it's more than wonderful :)

[@RedHairedRiot]

Incredible. I always knew Spring Awakening was stunning (it's probably my favorite), but you guys have changed it and have made it even more accessible and relatable. In doing that, you have also made it more beautiful. Fantastic. Well done.

[@cannabisflame]

I totally used to be roommates with Daniel Durant up in LA. I wonder if he remembers me.

[@abby2799]

I've been so stoked to see this musical come to back broadway and to start getting all the attention that the new version deserves. It's so awesome to see that all their hard work is going to pay off

[@shulajuguilon]

Does Daniel Durant play Matthew from Switched at Birth? He looks so much like him.

[@andredenaro3006]

Yep that's him

[@Allyn.9]

Yes m.imdb.com/name/nm3310289/?ref_=m_ttfcd_cl17

[@susanadefrancisco1429]

I thought I was the only one

[@asherosales560]

I knew it lol I was thinking the same thing

[@hollyTM]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@HaveanIcedaymx]

I was lucky enough to watch this in New York. It was so moving and wonderful.

[@Rubber17Soul]

OH MY GOD SPRING AWAKENNG *fangirling*

[@averycrow6982]

My dad is deaf, and when I showed this to him it made his day because people a actually willing to incorporate the Deaf and hearing to make music. I think that this is wonderful! We can't see it though because we are to far away :( , but keep doing what you guys are doing, and you will please many people

[@LocalBlonde2673]

I love Spring Awakening so much!!! I haven’t seen this version though

[@mandymoore1999]

My mom is deaf, and whenever she comes to see me perform in a musical or play, I'm always bummed because she has to focus more on the script we give her to follow along rather than our hard work on stage. So this is an awesome and beautiful opportunity for people like my mom. I wish there would be a way for her to see something like this in our hometown.

[@malz8051]

I didnt know Alex voices Moritz in this!!!!! I saw him in dear evan hansen! He was fantastic! But I didnt know that!!!!

[@daphneblake8118]

Daniel's facial expressions kill me. I love how expressive people who communicate through sign are with their face.

[@rybur98]

Did you see Moritz reach for the gun at the end? 😭

[@shannoneverdeen]

This was the most moving piece of theater that I've ever seen. It added a whole new level of emotion to the already beautiful Spring Awakening! Amazing!

[@ho3lland]

YES YES YES DEAF WEST SPRING AWAKENING IS THE BEST THING EVER YES YES YES

[@hae1665]

I love how Keith´s voice matches perfectly with the expressions of the guy

[@sarahbecker4649]

I would _love_ to do something like this, I want to become fluent in ASL so I can try to become part of a group like this. I've always loved theater and I've been interested in signing since I was really little, I'm finally going to have the chance to take a class for both in the spring and it would be awesome to incorporate both into my future somehow.

[@alyssathomas6963]

OMG when I saw this I was so happy, Spring Awakening is one of my all time favorite musicals ever and to see it brought to the deaf community makes me so happy and also adds so much more depth and emotion to the show, I hope to see it and others like it in the future!

[@rachelmarie31]

YASSSS switched at brith

[@amelianomura]

SAME THO!!!

[@randomperson9026]

***** dafuq who do you think ya are?

[@gureishichan]

Switched at birth is SEE signing.

[@angiebolangerr]

Omg yes finally

[@keianadavison502]

Yasssss

[@SlowxParentsCrossing]

jfc that spoiler at the end lol

[@kellywrites92]

Absolutely beautiful. It's amazing to see things like this happening. Never limit yourself to what you've been told you can or cannot do.

[@andbordi1826]

**takes deep breath** AAAAAAAAAAALL THIIIIIIIIINGS AAAAAAAAAAAAAALL THIIIIIINGS plz don't kill me

[@aquamaquisha1994]

Ive seen this play twice and everytime i loose myself in it. As a student of ASL and a human being in general, i feel everyone should see this play . It is amazing, beyond amazing . I cry and laugh and enjoy it everytime. Thanks for this video buzzfeed 👏🏾

[@ShainaN26]

It annoys me that a lot of people think of the deaf community as disabled or handicapped. Doesn't make any sense to me, since they can do almost anything a hearing person can, like driving, reading, writing and sometimes talking. They just can't hear, that's all. I wish a lot more people were involved with the deaf community and knew sign language, it's a pretty cool language to learn.

[@barrykhadidiatou357]

Am i the only one that find sign language so beautiful from the way they move their hands to the expressions on their faces.

[@erindonovan7103]

sign language is just so beautiful.

[@Zahh1998]

I loved this. It's just beautiful to see people finding ways to not let things like deafness stopping people from doing everything they dream to do.

[@lucyfm7616]

OH MY GOODNESS HOW WAS I NOT AWARE THAT BUZZFEED HAD DONE THIS

[@almostcanadian9495]

One of my absolute favorite musicals to this day. This version, not even the original. It’s so good.

[@clairestrubberg562]

For once buzzfeed makes a video that i actually want to see

[@Amanda_78]

I think this is amazing. I'm a drama student and it opens your eyes to a different side of theatre that you simply don't hear enough about. Absolutely amazing

[@ClumsEGirl]

Fresh 2 deaf.

[@nixienooo]

Puns

[@nates3171]

Their Deafinantly the best...

[@PeaceLoveSarahJane]

I love this so much. My sister's fiance is deaf and I love to do musicals and perform. He's never been able to see me or any musical because he can't follow along. This makes me so happy to see and I hope in the future we all will see more productions like this for him to enjoy like we all do :)

[@brooke5520]

Isn't that guy from Switched At Birth?

[@analuciafelix18]

Yeah he catfished Emmett

[@Prnamber3909]

Omg that's the guy who plays Matthew?

[@sherkeis1992]

I was thinking the same thing! He's a great actor!!

[@kijilee]

The 888888

[@sarabone9982]

Common It wait what season was that

[@hardyboysozfan]

This is a really incredible way of giving a larger range of people the opportunity to act and perform! Plus this is one of my absolute favourite musicals so it's really awesome to see some background on this version!

[@ElliotWinkleman]

Fuckn sick as h*ck

[@lolmaomgoml]

"What to heck ???" - Billy Ray Cyrus

[@lolmaomgoml]

Cause it's funny :3

[@kiwawa1763]

Troye Sìvan is sick as h*ck

[@hoisoynono]

Emma w How did this get 135 likes...=_=

[@hoisoynono]

Emma w How did this get 135 likes...=_=

[@ameliabateman9860]

My favorite musical, my favorite actor in the musical (Andy Mientus), and deaf theater, which has been beautiful the few times I've had the privilege of witnessing it. I am so excited for Spring Awakening to be coming back and reaching new audiences!

[@corylusbluefox9482]

This was such a great production!

[@stellaroros2565]

Omg I love Alex so much. I’m so glad he led me to such an amazing piece of art.

[@alenabujnowski8796]

Lol Keith was his interpreter(?) (i mean he wasn't the one signing what the other actor was saying, but he was his voice..)

[@kinbarkly1165]

So glad this production is having a Broadway transfer. This is the best production of Spring Awakening I've seen since the OBC. Michael Arden's direction was amazing, and the cast was terrific.

[@moosekalz254]

Andy, austin, josh, miles, sean, krysta, ali, kathryn and lauren are all reasons I'm bi

[@StandingStill]

I adore the musical Spring Awakening so much and as my best friend is deaf, this is incredible to see. I really hope that this trend continues because I would love so much to share my adoration for musicals with my best friend.

[@fawcksy5841]

I wonder if they use the vibrations from the drums and bass to help the actors

[@Rachel-vq3vw]

I am sure it plays a huge role

[@baileym8702]

+Fawcksy yep they do. i went a few weeks ago and it was like sensory overload, really BRIGHT lights and you could feel every drum beat

[@dannymaldonado5149]

Ayyyeee Alex Boniello. I was amazed at DWSA and I saw that Alex Boniello was going to play Connor in DEH and I was like I know that name and I knew this was him

[@Shownomercy67]

Is that fucking Keith translating the esl?

[@BaileyH]

He's probably not translating it. I think someone translated it and wrote it down but he could know asl but I doubt it because it was a voice over

[@MissNaturalCreations]

Shownomercy67 ASL, not ESL. ASL is American Sign Language. ESL is English Second Language.

[@mackenziem.4384]

Lol best coment ever😂👌

[@TechnologicallyTechnical]

Buzzfeed makes video about the deaf. Someone still gushes over god damn Keith.

[@frkangaroo]

They had interpreters during the interview. Keith probably took what the interpreter said and just repeated it for the purposes of this video.

[@dancer2989]

I got to see this show for my sign language class. It was so incredible. It was one of the most amazing things I've seen.

[@willcarmack]

Hello Everyone

[@kayladenae4613]

Hey Will! Love your videos!

[@rptck]

With only 4 likes 😂

[@3llalevinson]

AHHH will!! What up man

[@Bubblebunnilovesyou]

Will Carmack WILL

[@dingoice1889]

Keisya devania Hahaha yeah I was thinking the same thing

[@saranotsarah]

I’m so glad this keeps popping in my recommended because I love DWSA

[@sweettreatsyt]

Anyone else watch switched at birth!? :D

[@angiedeangieworldasl6619]

SweetTreats me i i watched

[@EmeraldKelsi]

i saw the guy who plays matthew lol

[@StainedglassWings]

can't even say how happy this makes me spring awakening is one of my favorite musicals and I love ASL and have studied it for a few years now this is amazing!

[@MRosezhahira]

ok tho but did they legally took that bootleg in the start LMAOOOO

[@BunBunBunicula]

My high school drama program does this. It adds a whole new level to the experience, especially with a mixed cast of hearing and deaf or H-H students. You put everything into your movements and expressions because it provides a deeper meaning to what it is coming out of your mouth or that of your speaking counter part (if doing shadow interpreters). A lot of people think it takes away from the performance, until they go see a show of course. It's amazing!

[@iametoe]

Deaf people facial expressions give me life tbh

[@Marimaroth]

This is amazing. I feel so overwhelmed by their hard work and how they brought up the idea to make it come true!

[@laynae4897]

This is cool...... I like tacos

[@DumbGrunt.0311]

L0L!!!1111!!!!! IM SO RAAAANDOOOOOM!!!!!!!11!1!1!1!!1!1!1!1!!11!!! POTATO????????

[@nolongeractive2536]

***** WTF dude...

[@madeleineeaster1135]

Heyyyyy

[@lilahs3159]

lolz im so rand0m rAWR!!1!!!1

[@rachelleon2178]

Yes: my sister was born deaf (just like all of my family) and no: no one in my family or her has ever gone to a special school but she began speech lessons when she was like 2 (finished when she was about 6)... I think it's a little bit of an over-generalization to say that they must go to a special school to learn how to speak... I'm sure some do but probably not as many as you think.

[@yourimaginaryfriendkenzie]

This is the video that peaked my interest and made me fall in love with Deaf West's Spring Awakening and its cast so thank you.

[@flexielexie2000]

176 dislikes? wtf is wrong with this generation??

[@alyssajade8934]

seeing daniel say he loves music makes me so happy

[@alishadaswani6796]

Hey the guy at 0:30 is from Switched at Birth :P

[@dunkie5863]

look at daniel... i love him so much

[@deltadimensions1839]

At 1:30 and on, is Daniel looking at someone signing behind the camera???

[@BaileyH]

Yes

[@amykins1092]

Yea

[@NeworldDirector]

Mmhmm there is an interpreter

[@PanPanPanit]

Dj kurs (2:57) signs so beautifully. I love it when people can sign so smoothly.

[@doritogod]

ALEX BONIELLO

[@lizziespooner340]

omg I literally just searched through the comments for SOMEONE who appreciates him! AN ICON honestly we stan Alex