As part of its commitment to bringing diverse programs to all community members, Heights Libraries is pleased to present nationally popular, high energy Deaf entertainer and storyteller Dack Virnig at the Heights High Auditorium, 13263 Cedar Road, on Monday, October 7 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to all, no registration needed.
Virnig will perform his family friendly, autobiographical one-man show, “Deaf Boy’s Life,” using American Sign Language (ASL) to tell entertaining and touching stories about growing up Deaf. An interpreter for hearing members of the audience will be on hand to translate ASL into spoken words.
Born and raised in Minnesota, Virnig is a member of a fourth-generation Deaf family. He credits his mother for inspiring his passion for storytelling–she told him fairy tales while he was growing up and was known for her exceptionally beautiful and expressive signing. Following in her footsteps, he won an ASL contest as a child, performed in plays in high school and college, and eventually started his YouTube channel, which has 12,000 subscribers and counting.
He has performed at universities, Deaf schools and numerous Deaf events where he shares his rich experience in ASL.
Adult Services Librarian Ben Gulyas said, “It’s an incredible opportunity for both the Deaf and hearing communities to see a well-known and very funny performer, and it offers the hearing community a great way to learn about the Deaf experience.”
Virnig is the third Deaf performer that Heights Libraries has brought to the community for a free performance, and is an extension of the Deaf services offered at the Library’s Coventry Village branch, which offers DVDs, books, CDs, and magazines for and about the Deaf community. The collection includes resources on culture, language, education, and the history of Deaf people. The branch also provides a variety of programs for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, including the ASL film series, ASL basics presented by Cleveland SignStage Theatre, and the Deaf Gathering social hour. Programs can be found online at heightslibrary.org, as well as a Deaf resources page that includes links to online magazines, area events, language resources, employment and education resources, and organizations serving the Deaf community, at heightslibrary.org/deaf-resources. More information about Dack Virnig can be found at dackcube.com.
