Guy Couch, director of public appearances, recently received a public service grant that will provide for sign language interpretation at the two theatrical plays in the Spring Public Appearance season, The Taming of the Shrew and Strike Up The Band.

The Taming of the Shrew was performed on Thursday, Jan. 31, and had two qualified signers stand below stage right and sign the show while interacting much like the actors on stage. This allowed for hearing impaired patrons to watch the actors on stage with a clear view of the signers. A set up much like that of The Taming of the Shrew will also be provided for Strike Up The Band.

Couch feels providing sign language interpretation for theatrical plays is a nice service the university can provide for the public. "It is not absolutely necessary, but when a performance is word-oriented, as Shakespeare is, it is nice to provide signers to interpret the script for people who can’t hear the words," he said. "It is something that we, as a university, need to provide more often for the general public."

Couch has had the idea of providing signed shows since he began working for UCA and hopes to provide more sign language interpreters for the shows next season. "When I see a signed show, I always enjoy watching the signers as much as the real actors," he said.

Alpha Sigma Alpha elects new officers
New executive officers were recently installed to the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. The first executive council meeting was on Jan. 15.

The following students were elected into the executive office: Melissa Zakrewski, President; Morgan David, Vice President of Alumnae and Heritage; Alicia Stephens, Vice President of Programming and Ritual; Mandy Maples, Vice President of New Member Education; Melissa Nix, Vice President of PR and Recruitment; Sarah Hanson, Secretary; and Mandy Thomas, Treasurer.