The NTID Performing Arts Program invested in the creation of an original script, Agency, by Deaf playwright Ray Luczak. This work specifically addresses issues raised during the 2017 campus conversation, “Communication Access Now” (CAN). The production focuses on core topics such as diversity, autism, inclusion, and sexual harassment. In October 2017, the “#MeToo” movement went viral on social media, drawing attention to the widespread prevalence of sexual assault and harassment, particularly in the workplace.
A staged reading of a new play in development is an intermediate phase between a cold reading (meaning without any warm-up or preparation), with the cast usually seated around a table, and a full production. During a staged reading, a narrator may read the stage directions aloud. The purpose is to gauge the effectiveness of the dialogue, pacing, flow, and other dramatic elements that the playwright or director may wish to adjust. Audience feedback is an important part of this process. In play-development workshopping, a staged reading is one form of workshop, alongside the rehearsed reading, the exploratory workshop, and the full workshop production.
Nearly every play undergoes a series of readings, workshops, and rewrites before it is fully produced or published. Often, the general public never sees these behind-the-scenes stages of the writing process and may be surprised to learn that a play does not move directly from the writer’s computer to the stage (not even Shakespeare’s!). We hope you find this reading to be an engaging and stimulating experience—and that you enjoy having input in the creation of this new work of dramatic literature.— Luane Davis-Haggerty, Ph.D.
Synopsis
With his exciting new original play AGENCY, Raymond Luczak explores the kinds of things that might happen inside a Deaf advertising agency—and as it turns out, a lot can happen. Jerilee fights to save her Deaf agency from being taken over by a hearing conglomerate while also dealing with sexual harassment. Terence and Ava, two young interns, learn far more than they expected. Rhonda is furious about being passed over yet again for a long-overdue promotion. And what exactly is going on with Mary, Jerilee’s secretive assistant?
AGENCY uses humor to explore a variety of issues related to diversity, audism, and the importance of working together.
Monique Holt was invited to perform with the talented cast. Ms. Holt is a performer, director, and storyteller, as well as a member of Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA). Her specialty is translating and performing Shakespeare—especially his sonnets—in ASL. In the play, Ms. Holt portrayed a character from an agency.
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