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1980
was the year TDF offered the first interpreted Broadway show -
Candace
Broecker-Penn Janice
Cole Janet
Harris Beth
Prevor
Hands On's mission is to provide quality Sign Language interpretation to not-for-profit theatres in New York City. This meant Hands On would assume responsibility for the entire process:
Link for more information on our services to theatres
In working with not-for-profit theatres, Hands On found itself in the enviable position of being able to break new ground in interpretation. Hands On has placed interpreters:
Hands On employs as few as 1 interpreter and as many as 4 per show. (At one Radio City Music Hall production, Hands On placed and lit 16 interpreters throughout the theatre so Deaf audience members could enjoy the show regardless of where they sat.)
The
first year - 4 shows were interpreted. The list of renowned theatres which have worked with Hands On includes The Roundabout Theatre (Deaf subscription series - see below), Manhattan Theatre Club, Circle Rep, Playrights Horizons, Dance Theatre Workshop, and The Public Theatre (including Shakespeare in the Park since 1984). In 1992, Hands On produced Deaf performer Mary Beth Miller's one-woman show I Always Wanted to be an Opera Singer at Dance Theatre Workshop (directed by Lynnette Taylor, voice interpretation by Stephanie Feyne).
In 1993, Hands On branched out to interpret Broadway as well. Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King and Cabaret are among Hands On's credits. Link to the Chronology of Hands On Interpreted Theatre
Hands On also provides the interpretation for annual Holiday shows such as The Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall and A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden for 10 years. Link to currently offered interpreted shows
Hands On also has the TOLA Program - theatre geared to children and families - offered in conjunction with the highly esteemed New Victory Theatre. Link to information about the TOLA program
Hands On provides interpreters for the Writers in Performance series at Manhattan Theatre Club and has worked in tandem with The Roundabout Theatre to create their Deaf subscription series. In 1994 Hands On created a cultural calendar listing signed, interpreted and open-captioned events offered to the entire Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in the greater New York City area. This calendar is mailed out monthly and also available online through this website. Link to Hands On Cultural Calendar Hands On is the proud recipient of awards from both the Deaf and hearing communities in the New York City area:
Hands On has served the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities for over 20 years, and we look forward to providing continued access to the arts. For more information or to contact Hands On directly |
