WHO ARE WE?
Hands In! is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit based out of Atlanta, GA. We create and host workshops, classes, and community events with a special interest in accessible theatre. We strive to make all of our shows and events fully accessible in American Sign Language, as such our shows are visually immersive. When you see "Hands In! Presents:" you can rest assured that anyone and everyone can and will enjoy the show.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
To connect communities by promoting accessibility in the arts.
OUR VISION
To see an increase in representation in the arts.
OUR VALUES
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American Sign Language
Here at Hands In!, we are Deaf allies. We understand that American Sign Language is the foundation for Deaf culture, and strive to conduct our programs and activities based on this understanding. Our ASL scripts are created by Deaf who support Deaf culture. It is important to us that scripts for our ASL shows be written by individuals who love ASL and are also proud to be Deaf. This sets the precedent for our cast members as well. Our rehearsals are planned with accessibility in mind, and our shows are, of course, Deaf accessible. |
Creativity
We thrive on creativity at Hands In! We love ingenuity, and seek out such qualities in our team members. All of our scripts are originals! We see tremendous value in providing creative outlets for writers, actors, and artists of every kind. We could not do what we do without the creative juices of a number of different people. If you have an idea or a script, send it to us! We would love to read it! |
Relationships
Our cast is our family. These are the people we see almost every weekend at rehearsal, and are blessed to share a season of our lives with (sometimes more than one if we are lucky!). Just as our cast goes above and beyond to provide you all with great shows, we strive to go above and beyond to provide meaningful connections for them. Hands In! aims to create bonds that last longer than curtain call. |
OUR TEAM
AMARA EDE Executive DIRECTOR A lover of languages and advocate for inclusion, Amara is happily serving as the Executive Director for Hands In! After spending 5+ years as a Licensed Educational Interpreter, Amara has shifted all of her ASL passion and skill into Hands In!; co-writing all of our original scripts. As an avid traveler with a flair for the dramatic, she's not afraid to hop a flight to live out a main-character moment, or just to see a good show! Being black and a woman, Amara has a heart for diversity and knows the power of uplifting underrepresented voices. She is dedicated to making Hands In! an accessible and inclusive space in the arts! |
AMBERLEY HARRIS THEATRICAL Coordinator A graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor's in Theatre, Amberley discovered her love for sign language while starring in a Hands In! play a few years ago. Inspired by her Deaf cast mates, the inclusive mission of Hands In!, and her own journey with chronic illness, she embarked on formal studies in both sign language and Disability, embracing sign language in particular as a tool for inclusivity. As the Theatrical Coordinator for Hands In! and a local Actor, Amberley infuses her varied interests into her craft, promoting accessibility both on and off the stage. Her journey exemplifies a commitment to making all artists feel welcome and included. |
BEKAH MERRITT Outreach coordinator Bekah first joined Hands In! by pure coincidence, but when we saw her passion for ASL we knew she would be a great fit for our cast. Bekah began learning ASL as a child to communicate with a Deaf family member, but through that experience her passion developed to the point where she is now pursuing a degree and certification in interpreting. She is committed to learning more and more everyday about Deaf Culture, and enjoys all opportunities to be plugged into the ASL community in the greater Atlanta Area. |
SYDNE SACKEL Administrative ASSISTANT Sydne Sackel, a Florida native, began her journey with ASL in 2016 when she discovered a class at her college. However, it was her attendance at a Deaf meet that opened her eyes to the beauty of the Deaf community, and she quickly fell in love. She realized her true calling was to advocate for children in education who require additional support. This passion led her to a career in teaching, and she is now entering her fourth year teaching and advocating for students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing. Sydne is thrilled to be a part of this community and looks forward to the impact they can make together for families. With an infectious enthusiasm, Sydne Sackel is eager to continue building a supportive and inclusive environment for all, always reminding others: "Remember, you're amazing!" |
OUR ASL BOARD
LUKE BUNDRUM BOARD MEMBER Hi guys! My name is Luke Bundrum and I am Deaf. I am a veteran performer with Hands In! since the very first show! I currently serve as an ASL advisory board member and occasionally appear at their community events. I am a High School Social Studies teacher at Atlanta Area School for the Deaf. I love to see my students thrive using sign language and participating in community events. Some of my students have even appeared in Hands In! shows as well! I love to meet new Deaf people and I am always looking for fun opportunities to hangout with Deaf peeps and Hearing folks who sign! See you at our next event! |
MARTHA ANGER
BOARD MEMBER
OUR PHOTOGRAPHER
CHRISTINE BERNAL PHOTOGRAPHY
(478) 951-5681
(478) 951-5681
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