Update: We've reached our goal, but are Kicktraq says we can do $15,000. Click "Updates" above to read what we'll do with extra funds.

There's Nothing Like

Police Deaf Near Far on Any Michigan Stage!

TerpTheatre and Oakland University (Rochester, Michigan) are coming together to produce the Michigan premiere of Police Deaf Near Far, a play by David Rush.  The play is a unique telling of a day in the life of a Deaf man and a police officer, who meet with tragic consequences.  Inspired by real-life conflicts between Deaf people and law enforcement officers, Police Deaf Near Far tells its story through a mix of Deaf actors, hearing actors and sign language interpreters.

It's a complex play, so many theaters will not consider producing Police Deaf Near Far.  We think the play has an important story to tell, and we also feel that it is important to see Deaf actors on Michigan's stages.  We're committed to making the production the best it can be - and we need your help to make it happen.

About The Play

On the surface, Police Deaf Near Far is a play about a police officer and a Deaf man.  More than that, the play focuses on the communication struggles of both men.  Our own lives are mirrored in their struggle for a closer connection with others in their personal and outward lives.  The play explores a variety of topics related to the Deaf community: education, personal relationships across cultures, interpreters, and cochlear implants, to name a few.

Why We Need Your Support

The play will be produced and performed at Oakland University's Varner Studio Theatre, in Rochester, Michigan.  OU will supply funding for the basic production of the play: the director, the set, the costumes, and all of the staff will be paid by the university.  All of the hearing actors in the play will be OU theatre students. The show has some additional expenses that are unique.

Here is where we need your help:

• Professional Deaf Actors:  There are two Deaf characters in the play, and Oakland University is hiring two professional Deaf actors (look for an announcement with their names and photos soon).  Because they are professional actors, their contract requires a weekly salary, living accommodations and other expenses.  We look forward to sharing the talents of these great actors with you!
  Update: See a video blog of our cast on our site by clicking here.
• Backstage Interpreters:  In order to fully comply with Michigan law, and to provide a professional working experience, 2 licensed interpreters are required at each rehearsal, for a combined total of 40 hours each week. There will be approximately four weeks of rehearsals - a total of 160 hours. In addition, licensed interpreters are needed backstage at each performance.
• All Shows Shadow Interpreted:  In a typical production, just one or two performances are interpreted.  With Police Deaf Near Far, every performance will be shadow interpreted - a total of 14 performances accessible to the Deaf community!
• Outreach:  It's our goal for the Police Deaf Near Far audience to include the hearing, Deaf and law enforcement communities. This will be a unique opportunity to conduct post-show discussions with groups of people who rarely come together to learn from one-another.  These efforts require a bit more marketing time and resources.

Your support will help to cover these extra expenses for this unique production. In addition to this Kickstarter campaign, TerpTheatre and Oakland University are writing grants and seeking additional support from other sources.

What You'll Get

Check out the awards at the right.  We'll acknowledge everyone who donates. Donate just $25 or more, and you'll receive an autographed cast photo, too.  At some support levels, you'll receive free tickets to the special sneak-preview, the night before the show opens - and additional tickets during the run of the show! Mostly, we hope that you'll feel great saying that you had a role in making Police Deaf Near Far a success!

Keep In Touch

We plan to update our Kickstarter page throughout the campaign with updated information about the show's development, new video, and a cast list - including an announcement about our Deaf cast members!  Please follow our Kickstarter page, and visit us on Twitter, Facebook, and the show's website.  

Your support is a great help - sharing this page will help, too!

Thank You! We value your support,
and appreciate you checking out Police Deaf Near Far!

NOTE: Kickstarter payments are processed through Amazon — Not PayPal, as stated in our video.