Garland Civic Theatre Offers Sign Language Interpretation

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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