WHAT IS CELSIGN?

The Celebration of Sign is now 10 years old! The event began as a recital for performance interpreting students. CelSign has now featured Deaf Community MC's such as Miss Deaf America, Terrylene, Deanne Bray, Shoshannah Stern, and a slew of Grammy Winning Performing Artists. The event is held at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. CelSign 2008 will be held this year on October 18th at 7 PM.

HOW MANY PERFORMANCES ARE CHOSEN EVERY YEAR?

11 - 16 performances are generally chosen.

WHO ARE THE JUDGES?

Deaf & Hearing members of the Deaf Community.

ARE PERFORMERS PAID?

All performances are volunteer. Gate will usually provide hotels for performers and sometimes can assist with transportation depending on corporate funding and donations. Do not let concern about travel and stay keep you from auditioning! Just audition and concern yourself with additional costs later.

WHAT ARE THE TIME COMMITMENTS INVOLVED?

All performers passing auditions need to commit to Friday October 17th rehearsal (4 PM - 11 PM) and October 18th performance (5 PM - 10:30 PM). Both days are required for all performers including main performers and back up performers.

ARE THERE SIZE LIMITATIONS IN GROUP AUDITIONS?

No. The stage at TPAC is a very large stage and will fit 30 - 50 performers with ease. Remember.. the larger the group the harder it is to coordinate performers.

DO THE PERFORMANCES NEED TO BE COMPLETE BEFORE THE AUDITIONS?

Yes. All performances need to be as refined as possible. Sets and props do not need to be finalized before the auditions.

CAN PEOPLE FROM OTHER STATES / COUNTRIES AUDITION?

Yes. Anyone can audition. If you are not able to attend the auditions live, send a video/DVD to the Gate office prior to August 14th. Videos arriving past August 14th will not be considered.

CAN PEOPLE AUDITIONING RECEIVE HELP WITH TRANSLATIONS/GLOSSES OR PERFORMANCES PRIOR TO AUDITIONS?

Yes. Contact the Gate Office for more details.