Internationally known Deaf comedian visits school

Deaf comedian and storyteller Peter Cook taught a workshop and performed in the Canyon High auditorium for the second consecutive year Saturday, April 14.

During the interactive workshop in the morning, Cook taught many deaf individuals and ASL students the fundamentals of ASL storytelling, which include facial expression, body language, classifiers, gestures and sign production.

Through the planning of ASL teachers Chelsea Phemister and Traci Prather, the performance that night brought in more than twice the number of deaf individuals as last year, and $2000 dollars for the ASL Honor Society. To applaud using sign language, participants must shake raise their hands and shake them. As Cook signed and the interpreter translated to the audience, the entire auditorium was filled with laughing and shaking hands from the deaf and hearing.

The two worlds were connected through laughter.

Internationally known Deaf artist to perform Sept. 18

Deaf artist Peter Cook will perform in the school auditorium Saturday, Sept. 18 at 7:00 p.m. The event will be hosted by the ASL Honor Society. ASL students from Caprock, Amarillo College and WTAMU will attend as well as students from Canyon. ASL Honor Society has also invited many members of the deaf community to come to the performance.

Peter Cook is an internationally reputed Deaf performing artist whose works incorporate American Sign Language, pantomime, storytelling, acting and movement. His performance will be comedy based with storytelling and other acts. The $5 admission fee at the door covers the show and the reception following.