If you would’ve asked me a year ago if I’d ever interpret a Shakespearean play, the answer would’ve been a hard no. I assumed Shakespeare would be way too tough and impossible to handle. However, when I was offered the opportunity to interpret Romeo and Juliet with Inclusive Communication Services (ICS), I knew it was time to accept that challenge and face Shakespeare head on.
Working alongside a talented team of interpreters gave me the confidence to push through those initial nerves. From the start, I was welcomed by a team that didn’t just show up—they showed out in every way possible. Being surrounded by such a high level of professionalism, enthusiasm and creativity was inspiring.
Where A.R.T. Thou?
The hardest part about interpreting Shakespeare isn’t just about translating words—it’ about capturing poetry, finding language equivalence that represents the original flowery verbiage. And whew…those monologues! But instead of feeling defeated, I leaned into the challenge. I observed my teammates closely, watching their process of breaking down lines, analyzing meaning, and then reimagining it in American Sign Language with clever sign play that brought the text to life.
What amazed me was how much I learned about my own creative process. I had a flow I never tapped into before—a rhythm that emerged naturally once I let go of overthinking. The encouragement from my team stuck with me: “Just have fun and let the signs fly off your hands.” That mindset changed everything.
Exit, Stage Left… with (Deaf) Applause
Opening night arrived, and the turnout from the Deaf community was incredible—their presence made the entire experience feel even more meaningful. Together, my team and I made the works of The Bard alive with access for all. We brought centuries-old dialogue into the present with movement, expression, and energy that connected with our audience in real-time.
The feedback I received from my team and our audience was heartwarmingly positive. I was reminded that stepping outside my comfort zone doesn’t just have to be terrifying. It can be empowering and eye-opening. Now, even if I’m nervous, I’ll continue to face challenges in my professional journey as an aspiring ASL interpreter—and I’ll do it scared. This is how you learn. This is how you conquer.
My Advice for Future ASL Student Interpreters
If you’re just starting out on your journey to becoming an ASL interpreter, my biggest piece of advice is to seek out hands-up experiences outside the classroom. Real-world practice is where you’ll truly start developing your skills, learning how to collaborate with a team, and discovering which settings you connect with most—whether it’s education, medical, community, or in my case, theater.
Through ICS’s internship program for student sign language interpreters, I had the chance to interpret in a live theater environment, which pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined. If you’re looking to explore the field and get meaningful experience, I highly recommend checking out ICS’s internship opportunities.
