What is Sign Troupe?  

Founded in 1978, Sign Troupe is a performing musical group from Lenoir-Rhyne College which consists of deaf and hearing students. During its first year, the troupe had only six members and performed to songs such as James Taylor's "You've Got a Friend," and ABBA's "Dancing Queen."

Sign Troupe was created by former director of Lenoir-Rhyne's Hearing-Impaired Student Services, Dr. Kathleena Whitesell. The primary purpose of the troupe is to encourage social interaction between deaf and hearing students and to promote deaf awareness on campus and in the community.

Since its inception, a multitude of students have participated in Sign Troupe. Even though each year changes are faced within the group, the philosophy of Sign Troupe has remained unchanged "to promote deaf awareness through sign language and to provide entertainment through music and choreography."

Sign Troupe is advised by a director who is a member of the Lenoir-Rhyne College Faculty and has three student officers who are elected annually by the group. This year Laurie Speidel and Shawn Frank are the advisor for Sign Troupe. Any one who is a member of L-R such as student, faculty, or staff may join Sign Troupe.