At the performance of Big River that I attended
recently at the Garland Civic Theatre, there was a sign language interpreter
translating the show into American Sign Language so those in the audience who
were deaf could enjoy the musical.
I spent a few moments with Sue Brown, the sign language
interpreter, during Intermission. She had been assigned to interpret the show by Texas Interpretive
Services, an organization that sends interpreters to varied functions throughout
the Metroplex. (Please visit their
website.) Miss Brown was a lively woman
with a bright smile and an easy manner.
She prepared to interpret Big River by reading
the script and listened to the original cast recording on CD. She interprets everything—dialogue,
the song lyrics, laughing, even sound effects. Miss Brown watches her audience closely—if their eyes light up, it adds
energy to her role. If they appear
disinterested, she adds more feeling to her interpretation in an attempt
to re-establish communication.
After the performance, I asked Celeste Rogers, who handles
publicity for the Garland Civic Theatre, how this all happened. "EastfieldCollege had some deaf students who
wanted to see the show," she explained, "So we hired a sign language
interpreter for them." Patty Granville,
the Director of Granville Arts Center Facilities,
gave her information about Texas Interpretive Services.
Would Miss Rogers consider having
sign language interpretation at future Garland Civic Theatre performances? "Yes," she answered. "If a core audience was interested in this
and gave proper notice, we certainly would try to accommodate them."
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