High School and College DHH Student Groups are invited to the University of Wisconsin-Madison for a day with Antoine Hunter on October 7, 2024
Antoine Hunter, aka PurpleFireCrow, is an award-winning internationally known Black, Indigenous, Deaf, Disabled, choreographer, dancer, actor, instructor, speaker, producer, and Deaf advocate.
Information for Chaperones / Schools
We are excited to host you and your students at UW-Madison!
This is a free event.
We will fill spots on a first come, first served basis. Events do have participant limits.
School staff and chaperones will maintain full custodial responsibility of their students.
All events will be in American Sign Language (ASL).
Spoken English interpretation and live professional captioning (CART) will be provided for the dance class, panel discussion, and the evening lecture. Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) services will be onsite to provide language brokering during the panel discussion and evening lecture.
In order to make the environment welcoming to all, we kindly request that spaces remain fragrance-free.
Accessible Pedestrian Routes Map (PDF)
The day will begin at Union South in Varsity Hall. Busses can drop off at the Randall Ave Bus Stop. Busses can park in Lot 45. Please let Clara know if your transportation will need a parking spot.
The dance class and the panel discussion will both be held on the second floor of Union South in Varsity Hall.
Boxed lunches will be provided for students and chaperones after the dance class. Please note any dietary restrictions on your registration.
After lunch, the panel discussion will take place in Varsity Hall.
After the Panel Discussion, students will move downstairs to basement for activities in the Sett Rec. We will provide some snacks for students and chaperones. We will have maps and people available to help guide groups to the Sett Rec.
Union South (1308 W Dayton St. Madison, WI 53715) is located between W. Johnson St. and W. Dayton St. on N Randall Ave.
School groups will be responsible for their own dinners. There are many options for purchase available at both Union South and Memorial Union.
School groups will walk from Union South to Memorial Union for the evening performance. We expect school groups to arrive at Shannon hall no later than 6:00pm.
The performance and lecture will be at the Memorial Union building in the Shannon Hall theater.
Busses should pick school groups up outside Memorial Union after the performance has completed.
Shannon Hall is located in Memorial Union off N. Park St.
Memorial Union’s address is:
800 Langdon St
Madison, WI 53706
Schedule for the day for Student Groups
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10:00a - Deaf and Hard of Hearing only dance class
Mx. Antoine Hunter and two dancers from his company will teach an hour-long dance class exclusively for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Learn from one of the greatest!
Not a dancer? That’s ok! This class is open to all skill levels and abilities.
Drummers from the world renowned UW-Madison Dance Department will provide the beats.
11:30a - Lunch
We will provide you with a box lunch from UW catering. The box lunch includes a sandwich, a cookie, and a cold drink.
Dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Please list any dietary restrictions when you register for the event.
12:30p - Panel Discussion with Deaf professionals
A panel of Deaf professionals, including Mx. Antoine Hunter, will share their stories of how they feel successful, and what it took for them to feel that way.
This panel discussion will be in ASL. Voice interpretation and live professional captioning (CART) will be provided. Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDIs) will also be present to support students as necessary.
1:30p - A special guest
A photo opportunity with a very special guest!
2:30p - Fun and games at the Sett Rec
Bowl, play video games, or create a masterpiece! Hang out with fellow Deaf and Hard of Hearing students from across the state.
The Sett Recreation space will be reserved for hanging-out from 2:30-5:30p. Varsity Hall offers a quieter space.
5:00p - Dinner (on your own)
You will have dinner on your own. Explore the local food options at either Union South or Memorial Union before the Performance and Lecture with Antoine Hunter in Shannon Hall. Please allow enough time to be at Shannon Hall in the Memorial Union by 6:00p.
6:30p - Performance and Lecture with Mx. Antione Hunter (doors open at 6:00p)
Arrive at Shannon Hall by 6:00pm. The performance will start at 6:30pm.
Mx. Antoine Hunter and dancers from his company will give a 30-minute performance, then Mx. Hunter will give a 30-minute lecture. At the end there will be a 30-minute question and answer session where you can ask your questions!
The lecture and Q&A will be in ASL. Spoken English interpretation and live professional captioning (CART) will be provided. Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDIs) will also be present to support students as necessary.
Who is Antoine Hunter?
Antoine Hunter
Founder and Director of the Urban Jazz Dance Co.
Oakland native, Antoine Hunter, aka PurpleFireCrow, is an award-winning internationally known Black, Indigenous, Deaf, Disabled, choreographer, dancer, actor, instructor, speaker, producer and Deaf advocate. He creates opportunities for Disabled, Deaf and hearing artists, produces Deaf-friendly events, and founded the Urban Jazz Dance Company in 2007 and the Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival in 2013.
Awards include the 2023 Dance Magazine Awards, 2022 Disability Futures Fellowship, 2021 Dance Teacher Award, 2019 National Dance/USA fellowship recognized by the Mayor of Oakland, 2018 inaugural Jeanette Lomujo Bremond Humanity Arts Award and 2017 Isadora Duncan (Izzie) for BAIDDF.
In response to Covid-19 in July 2020, Hunter founded #DeafWoke, an online talk show that amplifies BIPOC Deaf and Disabled stories as a force for cultural change.
Zahna Simon
Assistant Director of the Urban Jazz Dance Co.
Deaf from birth, Zahna Simon is honored 2018 Changemaker for SF Live Oak School, a professional dancer, choreographer, chemist, avid health nutritionist, Deaf advocate and consultant.
Simon received a BS/BFA in Chemistry and Dance at UCI where she trained with Lisa Naugle and Donald McKayle. She is former chemist by day at Vertex Pharmaceuticals and dancer by night in San Diego, including a feature in KPBS TV/Radio special “Deaf Dancer Performs in Trolley Dances.”
Simon is the Assistant Director for Urban Jazz Dance Company, the Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival and full time office manager at a small Fiduciary Office. She has performed with Kim Epifano, SF Trolley Dances, Alameda ICW, Man Dance Company and more.
Urban Jazz Dance Company
Founded in 2007 by Deaf dancer and choreographer Antoine Hunter, Urban Jazz Dance Company’s (UJDC) mission is to uplift and provide opportunities for Deaf, Hard of hearing (Hoh) and Disabled artists from marginalized backgrounds.
Featuring the syncopation of urban jazz rhythms, the company values the importance of play and performance to connect cultures of all races, ages, abilities, and backgrounds. UJDC performs all over the Bay Area and beyond, including at festivals, such as at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Black Choreographers Festival, CubaCaribe Festival, Art and Soul Festival, DeafNation, DisneyLand Disney’s Signin’ in the Street, Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s Green Show, and the Ethnic Dance Festival.
Its programs thrill Deaf and Hearing audiences alike. UJDC is also the producer of the annual Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival and views Deafness as a human experience with its own values, principles, and cultural norms.
Info for Students
You’re invited!
After the Panel Discussion, join fellow DHH students in the Sett Recreation space.
Have fun with:
Bowling
Billiards (pool)
Video Games
Board Games
Snacks
Arts and Crafts with Wheelhouse Studios in Varsity Hall.
FAQs
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Who is invited?
High school and college-aged Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students are invited to take part in the full day of events and socialization. We have limited capacity, so registration is first come, first served.
The Panel Discussion will be livestreamed for a wider remote audience. The livestream is open to the public.
Evening Performance and Lecture is open to the public.
Will interpreters and live professional captioning (CART) be provided?
Yes. All events will be presented in ASL. Spoken English interpretation and live professional captioning (CART) will be provided for the Panel Discussion and the evening lecture.
The morning dance class will be held in ASL. Interpreters will be onsite for anyone needing spoken English access.
Shannon Hall offers assistive listening devices (ALDs) for audience members at the Performance and Lecture. Ask for the Theater House Manager for assistance.
Where will the events take place?
All events will take place on the University of Wisconsin campus in Madison.
Bus drop-off for students and chaperones is at Union South, 1308 W. Dayton Street, Madison, WI 53715. The best spot for busses to drop off is the Randall Ave Bus Stop.
The dance class, lunch, and panel discussion will happen on the second floor of Union South in Varsity Hall.
Games and social activities will take place in Varsity Hall and in the basement of Union South in the Sett Recreation space.
Evening dance performance and lecture will take place in Shannon Hall on the west end of Memorial Union. The main entrance is 800 Langdon Street, Madison, WI 53706. The west entrance is on Park Street.
Will food be provided?
Yes. A boxed lunch for students and chaperones will be provided after the dance class and before the panel discussion.
We will also provide snacks during social activities.
Dinner is on your own. There are restaurant options in Union South and Memorial Union.
What if I have a dietary restriction?
Any dietary restrictions must be included in your school’s registration.
Union Catering can accommodate most dietary restrictions.
Where can we eat dinner?
There are many food options at both Union South and the Memorial Union. Please allow enough time to get to Shannon Hall at the Memorial Union by 6:00p.
Are event spaces wheelchair accessible?
Union South has elevators to access the second floor and basement. Accessible restrooms are on every floor.
Shannon Hall is located at street level. Enter from Park Street on the west end of Memorial Union. Accessible restrooms are in the hallway outside of the theater.
What does "fragrance-free" mean?
We ask that no one uses or brings perfumes, colognes, body sprays, scented lotions before or during the day. Some people have allergies and sensitivities to scents.
Will there be a sensory-friendly space?
Yes. Some participants may be overwhelmed by the events. During the social activities in the Sett Rec, there will also be a quiet space. Students can do crafts in Varsity Hall or just sit quietly.
Do we need to register? How can I sign my students up?
Yes. School group registration is required.
There is limited capacity. Registration will be first come, first served.
How much does it cost to register?
Attendance for the day is free!
Schools are responsible for transportation to and from the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus and between events.
Students and chaperones will need to purchase or provide their own dinners.
Can students register themselves?
Schools should register their student group.
If you are a Deaf or hard of hearing student between 14-18 years old who attends a school not registering for the event, an adult guardian may register you and an adult chaperone.
If you need a registration link sent to you, please email Clara Culligan.
What is Mx.?
Mx. is a title used before a name, like Miss, Ms., Mrs., or Mr. When writing about Antoine Hunter, the title is Mx. Hunter.
Whom should I contact if I have a question?
Clara Culligan
clara.culligan@wisc.edu
(608) 225-0789 (voice/text)
Contact Us
For additional info or questions:
Clara Culligan
clara.culligan@wisc.edu
(608) 225-0789 (voice/text)
Disability-related accommodations:
Learn more about the McBurney Disability Resource Center: