This content was published: October 13, 2017. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
PCC welcomes actor Sean Berdy to Sylvania’s Performing Arts Center
Photos and story by Celina Baguiao
Portland Community College’s Sylvania Campus is teaming up with actor Sean Berdy for “An Evening with Sean Berdy” from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 24, at the Performing Arts Center.
Berdy played deaf character “Emmett Bledsoe” on ABC Family’s Peabody Award-winning drama “Switched at Birth.” The evening includes a motivational speech that strives to inspire others by using his own compelling life story as an example of what one can achieve if they never stop believing in themselves and refuse to let others define their limitations. The actor will also perform an American Sign Language (ASL) version of his favorite song, which has been viewed on social media more than one million times. To end the night, the young star will open the floor for questions and take pictures with attendees.
“Switched at Birth” has been widely credited with increasing awareness of Deaf culture and for garnering huge growth in the number of hearing people learning ASL across the country. Berdy received the DeafNation Inspiration Award for Entertainment in 2012 for the positive impact his authentic portrayal of “Emmett Bledsoe” has had on the Deaf community.
Berdy is currently traveling the country and speaking at colleges and universities that are at the forefront of educating students in ASL and training future interpreters.
He chose PCC because of its strong curriculum in Sign Language Studies and Sign Language Interpretation.
“We are very excited that Sean Berdy has recognized the strong programs we offer in Sign Language Studies and Sign Language Interpretation at PCC,” said interim dean of English and World Languages Julie Kopet. “Our faculty has worked tirelessly to create programs which provide students with the skills they need to be successful in the Deaf community and having Sean choose to speak here is another testament to their good work.”
Tickets for the event cost $29. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Berdy’s ASL presentation will be voice interpreted allowing both hearing and deaf to equally enjoy the event.
A share of the proceeds will go to PCC’s Sign Language Studies and Interpretation programs.
For more information on Berdy, please visit sean-berdy.com.
About Celina Baguiao
A Los Angeles native, Baguiao joined Portland Community College in 2016 as the Community Relations Manager at the Sylvania Campus. Spending her entire career in higher education, she has a background in public relations, athletics and event... more »