BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ABOUT
Deaf West Theatre is dedicated to groundbreaking arts projects. By engaging creatives and audiences, we amplify and expand the definition of cultural life. As a vital force in the arts landscape, we elevate artists and stories, ensuring visibility and impact in entertainment while fostering a more dynamic artistic world.
LEADERSHIP
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
DJ Kurs became the Artistic Director of Deaf West Theatre in 2012. He has produced several award winning plays and musicals, including Spring Awakening, which he shepherded from its beginnings as an intimate 99-seat theater production in Los Angeles before it went on to Broadway, earning multiple Tony Award nominations. Kurs sees his role at Deaf West as integral to his continued advocacy within the Deaf community. To that end, he is an in-demand public speaker and panelist: he has given talks at the Berkeley Forum and special events such as the 50th Anniversary of the National Endowment of the Arts.
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Jeff Perri currently serves as the Managing Director at Deaf West since 2022. With a knack for high-level management and marketing, Jeff brings rich experience from the entertainment industry, specializing in Public Relations, Brand Development, Strategy, and Producing. Prior to joining Deaf West, Jeff refined his expertise within the advertising sector, specializing in entertainment and non-profit initiatives. His portfolio includes contributions to a diverse range of clients ranging from well known corporations to Tony Award®-winning plays and musicals. As a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), Jeff brings a unique perspective to foster connections between Deaf and hearing communities in entertainment. Rooted in a commitment to meaningful change in the arts, Jeff earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theatre from PACE University.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PJ Mattiacci
Co-President
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Shue Her-Sturm
Co-President
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Mark Freund
Vice President
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Beverly Nero
Secretary
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Christopher Sepulveda
Treasurer
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Sophie Betts
Micah Frank
Anne Gordon
Matt Randall
Roz Rosen
Patricia Shawn
Branton Stewart
Ann Wareham
Ed Waterstreet (President Emeritus)
WHY DEAF WEST?
QUALITY
We are known for our uncompromising quality and unmatched track record. On Broadway and beyond, we are at the forefront of Deaf-centered storytelling.
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COMMUNITY
We are the rare intersection where Deaf and hearing artists come together, creating a unique space where connection transcends language.
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RECOGNITION
We are a multi award-winning organization and we always strive to pass this success onto the individual artists and collaborators that enrich our spaces.
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ACCESS
We were built from the ground up more than thirty years ago with accessibility at the forefront.
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ECONOMY
We create jobs and launch careers for Deaf performers, creatives, and administrators.
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RESOURCES
We are rich with both Deaf and hearing talent, and bring the resources necessary to create collaborative climates leading to truly inclusive and innovative art.​
