There’s no business like show business! Theatrical interpreting can be both simpler – and much more complex – than other interpreting assignments. This workshop will introduce you to theatrical terminology, venue structure and policies, and strategies for preparing for an interpreted performance such as script analysis, interactions with production staff, and teaming with your fellow interpreter(s). Our focus will be on interpreting for Deaf audiences at both touring shows and locally produced theatre. Workshop will include lecture, discussion, and hands-on activities.

Educational Objectives

At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Explain theatrical terminology, personnel, and production categories

• Collaborate with a team on strategies to prepare for an interpreted performance

• Identify best practices for the day of performance

Presenters: AmyRuth and David J. McGraw

AmyRuth McGraw is a native of Washington, DC and has been interpreting for almost 30 years, working in 5 states and the DC metro area, primarily doing post-secondary and performance interpreting. Her theatrical interpreting experience includes dozens of productions ranging from Broadway tours to regional theatre to community and school productions, including such shows as Hamilton, A Christmas Carol, and Arsenic and Old Lace, to name a few. Early in her career, she spent a year touring with Sunshine, Too, an outreach project of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. She has served as the accessibility coordinator for Geva Theatre in Rochester, NY, hiring both interpreters and audio describers. She earned a BA and an MFA in Theatre, as well as an MA in Interpreting Studies. She shares 2 children (and 2 cats) with her co-presenter.

David J. McGraw, a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association, has stage managed professionally for over a dozen theatres in his 27-year career and has twice served on the national board for the Stage Managers’ Association. He has authored a chapter in Off Headset: Essays on Stage Management Work, Life, and Career; produced the training film, “Standby Cue 101: An Introduction to Calling Live Performances,” and wrote the “Stage Manager’s Kit” blog for Stage Directions. He has taught theatrical workshops around the US as well as in Taiwan and in South Africa on a Fulbright grant. He earned a BA and an MFA in Theatre, as well as an MA in Arts Administration. He is a professor and serves as the Coordinator for Elon University’s Arts Administration program. He shares 2 cats (and 2 children) with his co-presenter.