WHO ARE WE?
Hands In! is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit based out of Athens, GA. We produce original works in American Sign Language (ASL) such as workshops, classes, and community events with a special interest in theatre and jukebox musicals. All of our shows are fully accessible in American Sign Language, as our shows are visually immersive. Anyone and everyone can enjoy our shows!
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 Hello! I am Amara! I'm a Certified Interpreter and proud alumna of the University of Georgia. While I am so happy to serve as the director for Hands In!, I could not do it without my amazing team! Thank you! By day, I'm employed as an Educational Interpreter, and co-write all of Hands In's original scripts, by night. I have a passion for diversity, accessibility and inclusion in the arts! I love ASL, Deaf Culture, theatre, and dance, all of which come in handy here! Get it, handy?! |
HALEY VAUGHN Administrative Coordinator Hello all! My name is Haley Vaughn and I am so glad to be part of the Hands In! team. I am a proud graduate of UGA and Certified ASL interpreter. I work doing outreach in the Deaf community, but love getting to express my creative side! I have experience in nonprofit management and music, and love applying both to our work here! We could not do what we do without all of you, so thank you so much for your support! |
AMBERLEY HARRIS THEATRICAL ASSISTANT Hi! My name is Amberley Harris, and I am a theatre major at the University of Georgia with a focus in both performance and direction. My first exposure to ASL and Deaf Culture was actually through my performance in Hands In!s production of Wanderland. I have since realized that I have a deep love of human connection, and Hands In! has allowed me to connect to, and make art with the Deaf Community, who I previously wouldn't have been able to communicate with. I have so much faith in Hands In! and cant wait to see where the next year takes us! |
CHRIS CARPENTER theatrical assistant 'Sup guys! I'm Chris, and I'm a recent graduate of the University of Georgia. In the past, I've performed for great companies like Cirque Italia, Act 3 Productions, Sea World San Antonio, and Out of Box Theatre. I am super excited to expand my horizons and add Hands In! to that list! I started learning ASL during Nottingham and can't wait to continue combining ASL, theatre, and dance in future productions! |
DOUG GOODIN Theatrical ASSISTANT Hello everyone, my name is Doug and I currently am studying at UGA with a double major in Theatre and Political Science. I have been studying ASL since my first semester in college, and I have fallen in love with the language and Deaf culture ever since. I cannot wait to see all that this amazing company becomes, and I eagerly look forward to being a part of it. |
BEKAH MERRITT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Hello! My name is Bekah and ASL has become such a great passion of mine thanks to Hands In! I started learning basic signs when I was young because my uncle is Deaf. I am now thinking about becoming a certified interpreter and am trying to learn more and more everyday about Deaf Culture. I am super proud to be on Hands In!'s staff and work with these amazing people. Thank you Hands In! for creating a fire in me that I needed help starting. |
EMERSON SHUSTER Administrative assistant Hi friends! My name is Emerson an d I am currently studying business at the University of Georgia. I have been a part of Hands In! for a little over a year now I am so excited to be working on staff! I started learning ASL my first semester in college and have fallen in love with the language and Culture. I look forward to seeing all that we are going to accomplish! |
OUR ASL BOARD
MARTHA ANGER BOARD MEMBER |
LUKE BUNDRUM BOARD MEMBER Hi guys! My name is Luke Bundrum and I am Deaf. I am currently attending UGA getting my BA in Education and History. I am also the Deaf Ministry Coordinator at the UGA Baptist Collegiate Ministries. 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! |
OUR PHOTOGRAPHER
CHRISTINE BERNAL PHOTOGRAPHY
(478) 951-5681
(478) 951-5681
Christine's Instagram