Deaf Comedian Entertains and Educates in Massapequa

The Massapequa High School auditorium was the setting for a lively performance by deaf comedian Peter Cook, who entertained students in American Sign Language programs across the region on Nov. 3.

Students and teachers from 21 high schools and middle schools in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens attended the performance. The 750 audience members included students in ASL classes at Massapequa High School’s main and Ames campuses.

Mr. Cook is a Chicago-based deaf performing artist who has toured the world for nearly three decades. He also visited Massapequa in 2018. During his 90-minute set, which included extensive student participation, he enlightened and educated the audience by sharing his experiences as a deaf person.

“The ASL students from Massapequa and other schools truly enjoyed Peter Cook's comical performance,” Massapequa ASL teacher Melanie Smith said. “This was a great experience for them to understand and see him use ASL, pantomime, storytelling, acting and movement to spread awareness and appreciation for ASL and deaf culture.”