NTID Theatre History: Academic Year 1987-1988

This sections covers all plays during the academic year 1987-1988

****The Dybbuk(?)

****NTID Holiday Show(?)

Fall 1987

The Matchmaker 

Amahl and the Night Visitors

Spring 1988

The Double Pierrot (Fairmount Theatre of the Deaf) (Sunshine Too)

Variety Shows (Sunshine Too)

Hand Made Stories (Children's Show- Sunshine Too)

NTID 20th Anniversary Celebration

Last Dance (Sunshine Too)

On the Edge (RIT Dance Company)

Dedication of the Robert F. Panara Theatre
Date: May 19, 1988
Location: National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)

On May 19, 1988, a special tribute was held in honor of Professor Emeritus Robert F. Panara, commemorating his profound and lasting contributions to NTID and the broader Deaf community.

During the ceremony, NTID Director William Castle formally announced:
“We declare at this moment that the NTID Theatre will henceforth be known as the Robert F. Panara Theatre.”

This dedication recognized Panara’s pioneering role in Deaf education and the performing arts. Visitors to the theatre are greeted by commemorative plaques bearing the following inscription:

“Teacher, author, actor, poet... Robert F. Panara was RIT’s first Deaf faculty member; founder and first chairperson of NTID’s Department of English; and founder and first director of NTID’s Experimental Educational Theatre Program.”

The inscription continues with a tribute to his legacy:

“Professor Panara’s two decades of service to NTID at RIT, and his unwavering belief in the talent and potential of young Deaf individuals, will always be remembered by those with whom he shared his wisdom and vision.”

Professor Panara expressed his gratitude upon hearing the announcement, stating:
“It is the highlight of my professional career, knowing that there is a place named after me where I experienced so many rewarding moments working with students and colleagues.”

This dedication marks a historic moment in NTID's legacy, honoring a visionary educator, artist, and advocate whose influence continues to inspire generations.

Robert Panara receiving an award in 1988 at NTID with his wife Shirley. (Photo Credit: NTID.)