During the production of NTID’ Performing Arts' Dial M for Murder, deaf and hard-of-hearing audience members were introduced to a new kind of theatrical experience. Using smartglasses developed by Vuzix Corp., they received live closed captioning projected directly into their field of vision. The technology blended access services with augmented reality, offering a glimpse into the future of inclusive performance. By that time, the remote interpretation and captioning platform had already found its way into businesses, educational settings, and even the Pro Football Hall of Fame museum. Vuzix hoped to refine the system further, shaping how audiences might one day experience movies, theatre, and television at home.
Those familiar with the story of Dial M for Murder found themselves drawn into this fresh retelling of its dark and twisting plot. After learning of his wife’s affair, former English professional tennis player Tony Wendice—played by NTID alumnus Dack Virnig ’11—set out to orchestrate the perfect crime. His target was his own wife, Margot, brought to life by Shaylee Fogelberg, a design and imaging technology major from Rochester, N.Y. But when Tony’s plan unraveled, the evidence turned against Margot, making her appear responsible for the death of the very man hired to kill her.
Written for stage and screen by Frederick Knott, Dial M for Murder was directed by Luane Davis Haggerty, principal lecturer at NTID. The production also delighted audiences with surprise cameos by RIT President David Munson and renowned deaf classical actor Patrick Graybill. Rounding out the cast were Samuel Langshteyn, a film and animation major from New York, N.Y.; M.K. Winegarner, an ASL–English interpretation major from Rochester, N.Y.; and NTID alumna Niki McKeown ’00.
RIT’s performing arts programs had long been known for producing memorable and high-caliber theatre, and this production was no exception. In fact, it came on the heels of major recognition: the university’s stagings of August Wilson’s Fences and the play I and You had recently been honored by the Kennedy Center College Theater Festival.
Nancy and David Munson (RIT's 10th President) and Dr. Luane Davis Haggerty (Director)
Back L to R: John T. Reid, Eddie Swayze, Ben Leyer, Nicole Birnbaum, Peter Haggerty, Christina Warren, Jad Jordan, Sarah Morgenthal, Samuel William-Healy, Kyleigh Mogilewski, M Winegarner, Jamal Jones, Taylor Anderson
Front L to R: Teriana Mewborn, Luane Davis Haggerty (Director), Shaylee Fogelberg, Dack Virnig, Miki McKeown, Samuel Langshyteyn, Jason Holland, Liam Bradley, Jaylen Fier, Garrett Witherington
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