8 Comedians Who Promised to Make You Laugh All Weekend!

Richard Layton was born in Seattle WA to Deaf parents, hearing at birth but by the age of 5 years old his hearing began it's progressive decline to present. Being diagnosed with progressive hearing loss, it was suggested that Richard begin his schooling in an all oral program for a year to establish some speech therapy routine. From there enrolled into a public program without assistance of interpreters until Junior High when he encountered his first total communication program but eventually went to Washington State School for the Deaf where he graduated in 1980 on the second eruption of Mt. St. Helens. While at Washington State School for the Deaf, I acquired the nickname "Fatass" for my antics, jokes and manipulative ways.  

At the age of 43, Richard returned to college and is currently in his senior year at University of Arizona majoring in Agriculture Education with aspirations to teach young deaf students the future of careers in Agriculture.

Richard spent his childhood "watching" older deaf adults tell jokes to his father who always reminded him "these are for grown ups" with a wink.... Humor has always been a strong suit of Richard's but he has always declined to take center stage but rather help others blossom into better ASL performers, behind the scene there was always a crowd of people enjoying the humor that will be presented at this performance. There is no structure nor formality to Richard's humor, he feeds of his audience so be prepared to have a role in his debut.

An avid biker, Richard just completed a road trip that took him and his wife (Sharon Schira) into Alberta, British Columbia and back down the coast to California before turning back to Arizona. It's believed that the excessive heat and sun in Arizona has cooked Richard's brain as well as the excessive wind in his face.

Patrick Fischer is from several generations of fine artists and actors from Europe, and has seen many theatre productions which gave him an extensive interest in all things relating to theatre and art. These interests led Patrick to be involved in a variety of artistic positions (artist, board member, actor, director, producer, teacher, and consultant) as well as participation in a variety of performances (storytelling, poetry, emcee, skits, and comedy) all around the nation.

From Patrick's experiences and training in different aspects of theatre, he grew to enjoy sharing and passing on his exposure and knowledge. Patrick launched his theatrical business in 2005, providing various services to those who want to learn more about theatre through deaf's eyes. When Patrick is not "working" in theatre, he teaches American Sign Language (ASL) and currently is a certified ASLTA instructor at Portland Community College under the Sign Language Studies Program, Deaf Studies and Sign Language Interpretation Program in Portland, OR. Patrick is also a professional artist and owner of a freelance design business, "Infinity Design."

To know more about Patrick Fischer, check out his two websites: www.mrshineyhead.com and www.idwiz.com.

Pinky was born in the Bronx, New York and currently lives in Portland, Oregon. Pinky was born deaf.

Pinky has worked in New York City with a deaf dance group called Dancers, Theatre etc., in Cleveland at the Sign Stage Theatre, NTD's Little Theatre of the Deaf, at Universal Studio in Los Angeles, Six Flags and on TV "Unsolved Mysteries."

Pinky has traveled throughout the World studying Deaf Culture and American Sign Language and is an enthusiastic supporter of Deaf - Hearing Team interpreting. Pinky recently starred in the DVD, "Pinky Tells The Real Story: Videophone & Video Relay Service" which explores the world of video relay interpreting from both the Deaf and interpreter perspectives with her own special brand of humor. Check it out on her website: www.PinkyVRS.com.

Branton Stewart grew up in a Deaf family; it was during his childhood years when he began to build a bridge between the Deaf and hearing worlds. Growing up, he encountered a plethora of languages including SEE, Cued Speech, oralism, PSE and ASL. This experience contributed to his desire to work in the field of bridging the gap between the interpreters and the Deaf community.

He recieved his Bachelor's Degree in Government from Gallaudet University. After college, his career endeavours revolved around the interpreting industry.

Branton is not only a savvy business man, but he also has a passion for acting. He has trained with Bernard Bragg, Ricky Smith and Patrick Graybill. Branton has performed ASL stories, mimes, acted in a murder mystery production and now part of the ASL Comedy Tour team.

Branton is excited to inform you that he's established his own business: CDI Network. It is the first and only agency of its own kind in the nation established with a primary focus to provide qualified Deaf interpreter services. Check out the website, www.needCDI.com.

Patricia (“Trix”) Bruce, who is deaf, delightful and dynamic, is an extraordinary performing artist with a spirited audience-participation entertainment style. Drawing on her background in American Sign Language (ASL) Linguistics and a life of travel and adventure, Trix excels in hilarious true-to-life storytelling and impromptu, interactive ASL artistry. Diverse interests from business to stage performance led Trix to entrepreneurial success as an instructional presenter and sought-after entertainer (trixbruce.com). Trix is also an approved sponsor for the RID Certificate Maintenance Program. Enthusiastic audiences all across America celebrate Trix Bruce!

To learn more about Trix Bruce, check out her website: www.TrixBruce.com.

Raised orally in Los Gatos, California and in a speaking only hearing family, Roger Vass did not learn American Sign Language until 1987 when transferred to CSD Fremont.   He literately managed to learn ASL overnight, a rare feat.   This was the seed that nurtured his personal growth through sign language and a hidden talent.  Roger has not shut up ever since inquiring his natural language. Despite learning ASL in a short period of time, Roger managed to win 3rd place for best ASL storytelling contest at CSD Fremont, much to the surprise of everyone as well as himself.

His first foray into ASL theatre was at Ohlone College in California, with the 1989 play “Where our Dreams have Gone?” before he transferred to RIT in 1990. At RIT, he balanced his love for ASL with his inner geek with the booming field of computer technology and media.

Roger was the lead role actor in the 1995 Mosdeux production of “Vital Signs” which won accolades worldwide.  He was involved with the play “Meta” directed by Patti Durr and won Best Supporting Actor in 1992.

His first breakout on the national scene came with the PBS Special as ASL Narrator “Through Deaf Eyes.” Other credentials include Director of Photography of the film “Wrong Game.”  Last National competition, Roger won 2nd place for Deaf Idol in NYC in 2008. Roger participated in the first round of ASL Live contest at the 2008 National Association of the Deaf convention in New Orleans.

Roger Vass currently resides in Clearwater, Florida and happily works for ZVRS as Multimedia Director. He’s the proud and loving father of two ASL fluent children Hunter and Ireland. He worked at Arizona Schools for theDeaf and Blind in Tucson as a Vocational Instructor in media as Yearbook advisor for the students, Web/Media developer and TV/film production.

Justin "Wormy" Callaway, a pure-blooded califorian, graduated from California School for the Deaf. After high school, he have been invovled with professional performances such as a commercial for Pepsi. The fun fact about Pepsi commerical is that they had to do seven takes of him eating a hot dog (total of 7 hotdogs).

Also, he have done several commercials for Efusjon energy drinks. Eventually, Hollywood started to love the duo team of Keith Wann and Justin Callaway, which is becoming a famous act, "ASL that!". If any of you went on the largest deaf cruise past in November 2006, you would have catch their morning TV show on Royal Caribbibean. Now, he is currentlly performing on the ASL COMEDY TOUR with several deaf comedians.