SIGNing the Song returned to the Rockwell Table and Stage for one night only on Tuesday, Feb 27th at 8 pm! Using a combination of American Sign Language and singing, actor-vocalist William Martinez's SIGNing The Song shares the story of a boy who grew up in a deaf household with little exposure to TV, radio, or movies.
Because of his incredible 8th-grade music teacher and the love and support of his parents, he came out of his silent world and discovered his voice through music.
Written and Directed by William Martinez with Music by David Bawiec
A native of Denver, William Martinez earned his Bachelor Degree in Musical Theatre from the University of Northern Colorado. After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles, to pursue his acting/singing career. He has stayed in LA to enjoy the sunshine ever since! He is currently touring the educational market with his presentation SIGNing the Song: You Have Changed My Life inspiring teachers to remember how incredible their impact is on their students. SIGNing the Song combines American Sign Language (ASL) with song and shares his inspirational story of growing up in a deaf household, discovering music, and celebrating the massive impact that one teacher had on his life. He also introduces how ASL in the classroom can create a new and effective way for teachers to communicate with their students. He is extremely honored to have SIGNing the Song be the DVD companion to one of the most successful educational books on the market: The First Days of School: How to Become an Effective Teacher (Fifth Edition) by Harry and Rosemary Wong, due to be released Spring 2018.
In addition to his speaking engagements, William is also a professional actor/singer with many impressive credits under his belt. He toured Thank You for The Music: A Modern Tribute to ABBA across the nation and sailed the high seas as the Lead Male Singer on Silversea Cruises performing Opera, Broadway, Pop, Jazz, and other musical styles (along with showcasing SIGNing the Song). Previous to those productions, William originated the role of Bean's Dad in Ivy and Bean at South Coast Repertory and Jason in Ordinary Days at the Victory Theatre in LA. He has also performed in Hunchback of Notre Dame (Sacramento Music Circus, La Mirada Performing Arts Center), Parade, Little Mary Sunshine, No No Nannette, Superman, Street Scene, Blood Brothers, High Fidelity, Titanic (Musical Theatre Guild), Secret Garden, Once Upon a Mattress, City of Angels, 110 in the Shade, Bells Are Ringing, Kismet (Musical Theatre West Reiner), Big River (Taper), Big River and Oliver! (Deaf West Theatre), Back to Bacharach (Sierra Rep), Forever Plaid (Little Theatre of the Rockies), Plaid Tidings (Laguna Playhouse), Sweeney Todd (Gold Coast) and many other musical shows. He has performed for countless award shows, honor galas and charity events (including the Paul Newman's SeriousFun for children). He has done film, TV, voiceovers, and sings backup for Kristin Chenowethwhenever she is in the Los Angeles Area. He loves to give back to the community by performing for elementary school kids with Musical Theatre West, Musical Theatre Guild, and New West Symphony and is a proud member of Actors Equity. William thanks his wonderful family for their endless love and support. ILY!
David Bawiec is an award-winning composer for film/TV and entertainment, as well as an experienced music producer. He has worked on a variety of projects spanning many genres, ranging from TV and feature films to theater and theme parks, commercials, mobile apps, and an entire array of pop music. Some of the projects David has worked on include: Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, NCIS, Arrested Development, John Wick, National Geographic, The Oscars, Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Energizer and Dr. Pepper.
David Bawiec holds a dual Bachelor of Music degree in Film Scoring and Contemporary Writing & Production from Berklee College of Music. Winner of such awards like the 2008 Song of the Year Award for his original song, "Oh How I Love This Life" as well as the 2009 Contemporary Writing and Production Achievement Award for Outstanding Musicianship. He also studied choral conducting at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw, Poland.
Photo Credit: Lily Lim
Krystle Rose Simmons, Dedrick Bonner, William Martinez, Sylvia MacCalla, Jaq Galliano, and Julie Garnye
Sylvia MacCalla, Jaq Galliano, and Julie Garnye with William Martinez
Krystle Rose Simmons, Sylvia MacCalla, Jaq Galliano, and Julie Garnye
Dedrick Bonner and Krystle Rose Simmons
Krystle Rose Simmons, Sylvia MacCalla, Jaq Galliano, and Julie Garnye
Dedrick Bonner, Krystle Rose Simmons, William Martinez, Sylvia MacCalla, Jaq Galliano, and Julie Garnye
Krystle Rose Simmons, William Martinez, Julie Garnye, Sylvia MacCalla, and Jaq Galliano
William Martinez, Sylvia MacCalla, Jaq Galliano, and Julie Garnye
Sylvia MacCalla, Jaq Galliano, and William Martinez
Katharine McDonough and Kelley Dorney
Krystle Rose Simmons, Dedrick Bonner, William Martinez, Sylvia MacCalla, Jaq Galliano, and Julie Garnye
Katharine McDonough, William Martinez, and Kelley Dorney
Katharine McDonough, Julie Garnye, and Maddy Claire Parks
Jason Graae, Sylvia MacCalla, Shauna Markey, and Shannon Warne
Maddy Claire Parks and William Martinez
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