The National Theatre of the Deaf mourns the passing of David Hays, a visionary artist, co-founder, and enduring architect of our mission, who helped imagine a theatre not only where Deaf and hearing artists could create together in a shared visual language, but where Deaf performing artists were ushered into the public consciousness.
David’s artistry reshaped what theatre could be. As a designer, he believed space itself could “speak”—through light, movement, and image—and he brought that belief into the earliest days of NTD, helping craft productions that harnessed the beauty and power of American Sign Language onstage.
Beyond his remarkable artistic contributions, David was a collaborator of rare generosity. He listened deeply, encouraged experimentation, and championed the idea that theatre should expand who is seen and heard. The ripple effects of his forward-thinking vision continue to manifest in every Deaf theatre artist stepping onto a stage confident in the understanding of visual expression as central, not secondary.
We are profoundly grateful for David’s imagination, courage, and unwavering faith in what NTD could become. His legacy lives on, made immortal in our history.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the many collaborators who knew, loved, and respected him.
Thank you, David. You belong to the ages now.
Rest in power.