GLOSSING FOR THE STAGE

Glossing for the stage is a lot more challenging and complicated than many people realize. In standard interpreting environments we tend to worry about getting the information across clearly and accurately. That's it. However with the frozen texts of theatre we have time to analyze the script and develop a more accurate and more effective interpretation. This class takes several hours to analyze methods of improving our glosses. First we analyze male vs female sign choices. We then move into analyzing the impact of age on sign choices. We move from here into a variety of topics such as pantomime, formality, foreign signs, idioms, visual imagery, innuendos, and name signs. In the end, you will have a solid idea of how to more perfectly gloss theatrical performances.

 

PERFORMANCE PREPARATION

There is a great deal more to prepping for a performance than just glossing. This class teaches the four primary theories of performance interpreting so you, as the interpreter, can pick the one you deem most effective. The workshop will target the theory we see most supported by the Deaf Community. Once our foundation is laid, we move into business preparation, the use of a Sign Master, teaming, script and character research, attire including extreme costuming, and make-up. This particular class is the foundation of the field of performance interpreting and it will send you on your way to a career fulfilled with great success.

 

STAGE TERMINOLOGY

A Promoter, an Artist Manager, a Road Manager, a Spot Op… a Set List, a Wedge, a Leko, a Teaser… AV, LD, TD, and SM… It’s all “Greek” to most people, but it doesn’t need to be confusing to you! The Stage Terminology & Tech Prep class will teach students how to manage working with the crew and concert administrators leaving the attendees with a head full of tech savvy knowledge. The result? Instead of just being frustrated that you can't hear, you now have the ability to ask for In Ear Monitors since no Wedge was listed on the plot... and bam! You get what you need to pull off a great interpreting gig. Anyone who has worked a theatrical stage knows the crew and administration can make or break any interpreter’s success. It’s an often overlooked key to great achievement on stage.

 

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS

The only way to produce a powerful presentation for your Deaf Consumers is by starting with analyzing the characters you are representing. How do they use their face, their eyes, their bodies, their voices, etc? Each characteristic discovered opens doors for opportunity to become a more effective, and more importantly a more equal representation of the characters seen on stage.

 

PERFORMANCE PRACTICE

We have learned a great deal of foundational truths. This session is focused on one thing, practicing them. We spend hours working on skills needed to create incredible interpretations. We use all the research and prep to emulate the characters we see on stage and screen. This is where your skills literally come to life! It might sound intimidating, but do not fear! We keep a very safe and loving environment to attempt these new found skills. The group will first tackle a wide variety of skills, then volunteers will practice taking on a variety of rolls as the group lovingly evaluates and challenges them to improve. Deaf evaluators often join us to challenge the group even more. This unique feature of BSL workshops, tends to be one of the favorite highlights for interpreters in attendance, as many of us spend years in our professional career without evaluation. By the end of the day, everyone will have found personal successes and plenty of skills where they can focus future efforts for improvement.

 

PERSONAL ANALYSIS

What do you do now? Take our tips home and practice them intensely. We will give you a chart and some basic ideas for practice which you can utilize in the future.