Performance, Film & Television Interpreting

Whether a play, musical, concert, or recital, our artistic sign language interpreters ensure your audience’s synonymous engagement and inclusion.

Performance Interpreting Services

Rich cultural arts are one of the distinguishing characteristics of a great civilization. Whether it’s poetry readings, theatrical plays, or stadium rock concerts, most people appreciate a wide range of entertainment options. Hearing and Deaf people alike love these activities, but it might be difficult for the Deaf to attend them.

Imagine attending an event that you’ve been looking forward to for a long time. The reviews are glowing, and you’ve managed to score some fantastic tickets! However, as the show begins, it becomes impossible to keep up. Despite their best efforts, the performers are stumbling over their lines and delivering their sentences incoherently. The show you were looking forward to is a jumbled mess. In this scenario, the experience of Deaf people is depicted when they are not given a certified Performing Arts Interpreter.

It is unfortunate that those who are responsible for ensuring that Deaf people have access to events may not appreciate the usefulness of an ASL Performance Interpreter. When it comes to providing an equitable entertainment experience for Deaf audiences, Performing Arts Interpreters have specialized skills that allow them to do just that.

What is Performance Sign Language Interpreting?

Attending a live concert, play, or other event without the benefit of auditory input can be difficult for people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. In order to offer equitable access for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing audience members, theatrical sign language interpreters deliver simultaneous translation of auditory information into sign language.

Sign language interpreters, on the other hand, are not all equal. Theater interpreters play a key part in producing an inclusive event or show, and their role in making an event a worthwhile one can’t be ignored.

Who Benefits From Performance Interpreting?

Audience members who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing might benefit from open-captioning or sign language interpreting during accessible performances. Because of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates certain modifications, more people from all backgrounds may enjoy performances. Regardless of the size, location, or funding of a theater, accessible performances should be a priority.

How Does A Sign Language Interpreter Work In The Performing Arts?

Performing Arts Sign Language Interpreters enable equitable access to Deaf, Deaf-blind, and hard-of-hearing audiences by translating auditory information into visual or tactile Sign Language. Theatrical interpreters collaborate with ASL Consultants for months on major productions to produce the most accurate and interesting translation of the script. It is common for interpreters of smaller shows to prepare for a few weeks to a few days before a live show. Because they may practice and refine their interpretations more than medical or legal sign language interpreters do, performing arts sign language interpreters are more likely to receive a standing ovation from the Deaf and hard-of-hearing members of the audience!

What Qualifies A Sign Language Interpreter To Work In Entertainment And The Performance Arts?

Sign language interpreters that excel at live performances have one thing in common: they are highly prepared. Interpreters’ accuracy and clarity depend on their preparation, which includes interpreting scripts and attending rehearsals, doing tech checks, and studying characters and storylines. The interpreter does benefit from having a theatrical or event producing background. To be successful as a performing arts sign language interpreter, it’s critical that they have a thorough understanding of how different styles of theater function (after all, this is an interpretative art form), and that they are always prepared to adjust as the play progresses.

Why Choose Inclusive Communication Services for Performance Sign Language Interpreting?

Inclusive Communication Services is a community-based company that helps theatres and art venues of all sizes make their performances and events more accessible for the local population. We believe in equitable entertainment access for everyone and strive to provide optimal quality interpreting services for a variety of situations. Everybody deserves to have equal access to clear communication to fully understand the art they’re experiencing. Having a Performance Interpreter during an event ensures that everyone in the audience – including those that are Deaf and hard-of-hearing – are having an equally good time. Not only this, but having these interpreters also helps foster a sense of inclusivity among the attendees. To learn more about how we can help with accessibility accommodations and performance interpretation arrangements, please reach out to an ICS service coordinator!

Tips for Working with Performance Interpreters

Determine the date of the performance or recording for which you would like to have an interpreter. This may be the date that a Deaf or hard-of-hearing ticket-holder has requested to attend or a range of dates you wish to make the performance openly-accessible to the community.
Submit your performance interpreter request no less than two-weeks prior to your interpreted performance to ensure ample time for your interpreters to practice and prepare.
Confirm the performance or film shooting length, logistics of the space, and any open rehearsals with an ICS coordinator. You should also send materials such as scripts, rehearsal dates, list of character names, music set, or more to aid the preparation of the interpreters.
Select an on-site contact person, such as a Stage Manager or Production Manager, to coordinate the interpreters’ setup, materials, lighting, and other needs.
An ICS coordinator will be in touch in advance to discuss optimal interpreter placement, lighting, and equipment, depending on the nature of the performance.
If there is an intermission or break within the performance, please designate a space for the interpreters to rest.
Still have stage fright? Reach out to a coordinator to ask a question or discuss how to prepare for your service request.

Sign language, Captioning, and Accessible Media Services

Premium accommodation services for the Deaf, Deaf-blind, blind, and hard-of-hearing. Available in Person and Online!

A Day in the Life of a Theatrical Interpreter

For those who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing, it can be challenging to enjoy live performances, theatre, and events without having access to auditory information. This is where theatrical sign language interpreters come in – delivering simultaneous interpretation of auditory content into sign language to ensure the equal-access of Deaf and hard-of-hearing audience members.

However, not all sign language interpreters are created equal. In this post, we will explore the unique role of theatrical interpreters and why their services are critical for creating an inclusive event or production!

What Is An Accessible Performance?

Accessible performances include theatrical productions and events that offer open-captions or sign language interpretation for audience members who have hearing-loss. Not only are these accommodations required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but they also open performances to a larger, more diverse audience. Accessible Performances should be initiative for every theatre, regardless of its size, location, or budget.

When partnered with a community-based organization like Inclusive Communication Services, theatres and venues big and small can make their performances accessible to the local community through affordable accommodation services.

What is the Role of a Performing Arts Sign Language Interpreter?

Performing Arts Sign Language Interpreters deliver a high-register interpretation of auditory information into visual or tactile Sign Language to provide equal-access to Deaf, Deaf-blind, and hard-of-hearing audiences. At a performance of “Hamilton,” for example, a Performing Arts Sign Language Interpreter would interpret all dialogue and song lyrics in real-time with the hearing cast, either on stage or to the right or left of the stage. For large Broadway performances, theatrical interpreters work for months with ASL Consultants to create the most accurate and engaging translation of the production script. For smaller productions, interpreters may prepare anywhere from a few weeks to a few days before the live performance. Unlike medical or legal sign language interpreters, performing arts sign language interpreters are able to rehearse and perfect their translations to ensure for a standing ovation!

What Makes a Good Performance Sign Language Interpreter?

A good performance sign language interpreter must do one thing well – prepare! From translating scripts, attending rehearsals, running tech checks, and researching characters and stories, the accuracy and clarity of an interpreter’s work hinges in their preparation. Yes, it always helps for the interpreter to have a theatrical or event production background. Most importantly, though, is that the performing arts sign language interpreter understands how different types of theatre work – it’s an interpretive art form after all—and that they’re constantly on their toes and ready to adapt to any changes in the run of show.

Why Is There A Shortage Of Qualified Performance Interpreters?

As with many professions, interpreters are not impervious to the nerves of the spotlight and camera. Many interpreters develop their careers without ever stepping into performing arts interpreting because they intentionally avoid high visibility work. Not only do nerves get the best of some interpreters, but a lack of quality mentorships and professional resources prevent new interpreters from gaining much needed performance arts training and education. (This is why there’s a shortage.) The result is a deficient and disproportionate pool of professional theatrical sign language interpreters centralized around major theatre metropolises, like New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. The performing arts need more interpreters who are comfortable working in the spotlight and more educational resources to prepare these interpreters for the stage in order to meet the growing demand for performance accommodations.

Why Should Performances and Theatres Include Sign Language Interpretation?

From the Deaf community to a wider array of disabled groups, performances and theatres should provide sign language interpreters so that their productions can be enjoyed by everyone in the local community. By providing professional performing arts sign language interpreters, hearing and Deaf artists alike can be empowered to share their creativity without barriers. These skilled interpreters serve as a fundamental bridge between the performers on stage and the diverse audience members who are interested in experiencing their performance with equal-access and full inclusion. Inclusive theatre is not a lofty ideal; it’s an imminent possibility available to every production and performance! It starts with a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Reach out to ICS or your local, community-based interpreting agency to start your discussion!

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