Preview of “Deaf U”
On October 9, “Deaf U” will be released on Netflix. It is a reality show series about students at Gallaudet University. It was filmed last year. The Daily Moth has reached out to the cast for their comments and we got six responses.
Cheyenna Clearbrook, from Washington, was a junior majoring in International Studies during the time of filming. She has left Gallaudet University and will finish her last semester at University of Washington.
Renate Rose, from Kansas, was a 5th year student during the time of filming and has graduated. She double majored in International Studies and Government with a specialization in Law and a minor in Communication Studies. She is currently in DC taking grad school online from Eastern Illinois University.
Rodney “Boobie” Burford, from Brooklyn, New York, was a junior majoring in Psychology during the time of filming. He will return to Gallaudet next semester to complete his junior year. He hopes to graduate by December 2021.
Tessa Lewis, currently in Florida, was in her first semester of graduate school for the Social Work program during the time of the filming. She has graduated and she is now enjoying the Florida sun and studying for licensure.
Alexa Paulay-Simmons, from Maryland, was a senior majoring in Communication Studies and Psychology during the time of the filming. She is now in DC working as a server and bartender for Mozzeria.
Cameron Symansky, from Kansas, was a junior majoring in Communication Studies during the time of the filming. He is currently in Kansas taking a break from college and co-teaching for remote learning at Kansas School for the Deaf. He is not one of the main seven cast members but will make several appearances.
The 6 cast members expressed to the Daily Moth similar feelings that they are very nervous, but also very excited about this. Cameron pointed out that he is mainly nervous because he is wondering what the Deaf community’s reaction will be.
Renate said this project has been in the works for more than 1 ½ years so it is about time to see the results.
Cheyenna said that she hopes that when people watch “Deaf U,” they will feel some kind of hope that they can find the courage to seek from within who they are and understand that their experiences will always be valid.
Rodney pointed out that he wanted the people to remember that Deaf people are humans. If you see a mistake on TV, you don’t need to try to take down that person.
Tessa mentioned that she hopes hearing people can get a little glimpse of Deaf lives and be more aware of their own oppressive comments/questions/assumptions. She also clarifies that the 7 Deaf people in “Deaf U” do not represent the range of the entire Deaf community. One reality show cannot possibly cover all the parts of our community.
Alexa hopes that the viewers will be empowered to live their truth.
Renate says she hopes that viewers will be able to feel connected, laugh, and cry with them.
Cameron says that all of the cast members come from different backgrounds with different experiences. He hopes that each one of us will feel at least related to one of the cast members.
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We asked some of the cast members what their favorite memorable moments were during the filming. This was what they shared.
Cheyenna said that there was a moment when she really connected with Renate (another cast member) when they went to a period rally. You will see it in the series about that day, but that was one of her cherished moments that she will always remember.
Rodney said it was that moment with Daequan (another cast member) at the liquor store. You will see that scene on “Deaf U.” He said it was such a funny and real moment.
Cameron said it was one unforgettable weekend when he went to New York City with Cheyenna, his best friend, and Rodney. He said what happens in NYC, stays there.
Renate said she has a lot of great memories especially with the crew and cast members.
Overall, most of the cast members said that just sit back and enjoy the show!
Nyle DiMarco is one of the executive producers for the show. Nyle said in an interview with “Access Hollywood” that he often gets assumptions from hearing people that “all deaf people are the same” and he hopes the Deaf U will show the hearing world that it is not true, that there is so much diversity.
Let’s see what our Deaf community thinks of “Deaf U.” The only way to find out is to watch the show for myself and I hope you will too. There are a total of 8 episodes. I’m definitely grabbing some popcorn for this.
Official trailer: https://youtu.be/hr3wwPh5uKs