Just weeks after receiving his degree, Sebastian Newell, ’25, obtained his first post-graduation job doing costuming/wardrobe on a world premier musical that blends spoken English with American Sign Language. He says his minor in American Sign Language/Deaf studies opened this door for him.
“Completing the ASL/Deaf studies minor set me apart from other similarly qualified candidates,” he said. “I wouldn’t necessarily have been able to talk about the importance of accessibility in the arts without my ASL classes.”
The opportunity to formally study sign language was one of the reasons the East Aurora, N.Y., native came to Niagara University. As he pursued his interest in historical and theatrical costuming and earned a dual degree in art history with museum studies and theatre studies—design technology, he built a strong foundation in ASL, exploring deafness through social, historical, medical, and cultural lenses.
Newell will draw on this unique experience as he works on “Elephant Shoes,” a co-production between Two River Theater and Deaf West Theatre, described as “the largest and most ambitious production in Two River’s 31-year history” by artistic director Justin Waldman.
“I know I’ll be able to communicate more effectively with deaf colleagues and performers because of my experiences in Niagara’s ASL/DS program,” said Newell. “I’m just thrilled to experience this niche crossover of passions!”
