Reynolds High School’s theatre program is dazzling audiences this weekend with their production of Frozen, and the show debuted on Thursday with a twist that makes it more accessible for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences.
ASL shadow interpreting is when interpreters get on stage with actors and perform alongside them, signing in a dramatic way so that they blend in with the show. Shadow interpreting offers a more seamless experience for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences than traditional side interpreting, and as far as the cast and crew know, the Thursday matinee at Reynolds was the first version of Frozen anywhere to incorporate the method.
The shadow interpreting idea was brought up by Ash Henley, a sophomore in ASL 3 and an officer in the school’s ASL club. Henley says that shadow interpreting brings theatre to life for audiences who might not otherwise get the full experience. ASL side interpreting, where the interpreters sign from just off stage, is more common, but it’s comparable to reading subtitles on a movie – it takes extra attention, which can leave the audience less immersed in the show.
“It puts everyone on the same level,” Henley said. “I may be a bit biased, but I think we put on some great shows here at Reynolds. Everyone should have access to them.”
Dr. Jennifer Pierce, the show’s director, said that working shadow interpreting into the show was a creative inspiration. Adding interpreters into scenes meant extra bodies to work with and more perspectives to add to each moment.
For example, in one scene where Prince Hans takes the Duke of Weselton’s sword to command a group of soldiers, audiences can see the duke slyly steal a new weapon from his own interpreter, a sight gag that wouldn’t have made sense if the character wasn’t being shadowed.
“It surprised me how many artistic possibilities it opened up,” Pierce said. “I’ve been directing since 1994 and I’ve never done this… it’s always nice to find new things to explore.”
While shadow interpreting won’t be part of every performance, it made a world of difference to students at the Thursday morning premiere. Special guests from the Morganton School for the Deaf were among the 1,700 students who attended, and they got to see the iconic story in a way they’d never seen before. Reynolds ASL Teacher Aimee Falk said it was moving to see her students using what they’ve learned from her to make such a positive difference.
“I love seeing them get involved and find their place in this community,” Falk said. “I couldn’t be prouder.”
There will be more performances of Frozen at the Reynolds Auditorium all weekend. There will be 7 pm shows on March 26, 27, and 28, as well as matinees at 2:30 pm on March 27 and 28. The matinee on March 27 is only for students. Both matinees will feature shadow interpreting.