Evergreen Awards is proud to announce that Hands Up Silent Theatre and Whilden Publishing, led by the visionary Kristy Whilden, have been named the Best in Performing Arts Innovation in the United States of 2025. This prestigious recognition honors Whilden’s outstanding contributions to inclusivity and her tireless efforts to empower both the d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing (HOH) communities through the performing arts and literature.

A Trailblazer in Performing Arts and Accessibility

Kristy Whilden’s remarkable journey as a late-deafened adult has fueled her passion for creating accessible spaces for the d/Deaf/HOH community in the world of theater. As the founder of Hands Up Silent Theatre, she has built a platform where both d/Deaf/HOH and hearing audiences can engage in the arts together, breaking barriers and fostering understanding through performance.

Her experience as a music educator for over ten years, paired with her personal struggle of losing 75% of her hearing to progressive sensorineural hearing loss, has given Kristy a unique perspective. She has transformed her challenges into opportunities, leading a movement to create equal, accessible performances. Her approach to making theater truly inclusive distinguishes Hands Up Silent Theatre from other organizations in the field and sets a new standard for the industry.

A Mission of Inclusivity and Change

In addition to her work with Hands Up Silent Theatre, Kristy Whilden’s Whilden Publishing is committed to bringing much-needed diversity and representation to children’s literature. The publishing company produces stories with differently-abled characters, empowering young readers with stories that authentically represent a variety of experiences and perspectives. Whilden Publishing also takes the crucial step of teaching authors how to include differently-abled characters in their work with respect, research, and the use of sensitivity readers.

Kristy’s most recent accomplishment is the release of Alice’s Colorful New World, a children’s book aimed at teaching young readers about American Sign Language (ASL) and the impact it has had on American history. In tribute to her inspiration, Alice Cogswell, and her hero, Laurent Clerc, Whilden has pledged to donate $1 from every book sold to the American School for the Deaf to help fund the creation of a history museum dedicated to the legacy of ASL.

Recognition and Distinction

Kristy’s exceptional work has earned her recognition in various forms, including the prestigious Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award for her transformative work in New Jersey. This award highlights her status as a change-maker in the field of arts education and her dedication to advocating for the d/Deaf/HOH community.

As a #1 International Bestselling Author, Kristy’s success as a writer underscores her influence and commitment to spreading awareness about ASL and the experiences of d/Deaf individuals. Her dream of seeing more d/Deaf/HOH performers on Broadway, and her desire for a future collaboration with Deaf West Theatre, exemplifies her dedication to changing the landscape of the performing arts industry. With a vision of seeing her students perform on the Tony Awards, Kristy’s passion and determination continue to drive her forward.

A Future Full of Possibilities

Kristy Whilden’s vision is clear: to continue breaking down barriers and fostering collaboration between the d/Deaf/HOH and hearing communities. Her innovative work in both the performing arts and publishing sectors is creating meaningful change, and with her latest children’s book, she is poised to inspire even more individuals.

“I want to make a difference, not just in the arts but in education and awareness,” says Whilden. “If I can sell a million copies of Alice’s Colorful New World, that’s a million dollars I can donate to the American School for the Deaf—and that’s just the beginning.”

Through her groundbreaking efforts, Kristy Whilden is paving the way for a future where the arts are more inclusive, more representative, and more accessible for everyone. Evergreen Awards is proud to recognize Kristy Whilden, Hands Up Silent Theatre, and Whilden Publishing for their leadership and innovative contributions to the performing arts.

For more information visit Hands Up Silent Theatre, Kristy Whilden on Facebook, Kristy Whilden on Instagram and Crows Corner Bookshop on Etsy.