Ogunquit Playhouse to provide American Sign Language performances
OGUNQUIT, Maine — Pine Tree Society has partnered with Ogunquit Playhouse to provide American Sign Language for select performances of every show this season.
These ASL-interpreted performances are made possible thanks to a generous grant from The Roger R. and Theresa S. Thompson Endowment Fund.
“Thanks to this grant, select performances for all five musicals this season will have Pine Tree Society ASL interpreters performing the show alongside the cast,” said Noel Sullivan, president and CEO of Pine Tree Society.
ASL-interpreted performances began last season when Pine Tree Society’s then Director of Interpreting Services Joshua Seal coordinated with Ogunquit Playhouse to provide interpreters for “The Da Vinci Code” in September.
“Josh had the desire to make the arts accessible to the deaf community,” said Sullivan. “Before he was tragically killed in the October mass shooting in Lewiston, plans were already in the works to provide ASL-interpreted performances for this season. That makes these ASL performances even more meaningful to us all.”
Deborah Warren, Ogunquit Playhouse’s managing director, said one of their goals is to enhance the accessibility of their performances.
“This commitment to inclusivity is at the heart of what we do,” Warren said. “Through a valuable and collaborative partnership with Pine Tree Society, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, we have been able to take significant steps towards this goal. We are immensely grateful to Pine Tree Society for their support and facilitation in making these ASL-interpreted shows possible. Their partnership enriches the cultural landscape by making the arts more accessible to everyone, regardless of their hearing abilities.”
The ASL interpreters prepare by studying the script and attending performances. When possible, they also watch videos or listen to audio recordings of the production. They make sure they understand the goals of the production first, then they begin to build an interpretation. The whole process takes many days to achieve.
“Imagine watching TV without sound. That’s what watching plays without ASL interpretation is like for hard-of-hearing audience members,” said Sullivan. “This partnership with Ogunquit Playhouse aligns with Pine Tree Society’s mission of providing opportunities for Maine people with disabilities to connect with the community.”
ASL-interpreted performances will be held:
“Waitress”: Wednesday, May 22, 8 p.m., and Sunday, May 26, 2 p.m.
“Crazy For You”: Wednesday, June 26, 8 p.m., and Sunday, June 30, 2 p.m.
“A Little Night Music”: Wednesday, July 31, 8 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 4, 2 p.m.
“Little Shop of Horrors”: Wednesday, Sept. 5, 8 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 8, 2 p.m.
“My Best Friend’s Wedding”: Wednesday, Oct. 9, 8 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 13, 2 p.m.
Open caption performances will be held during these date ranges:
“Waitress”: Wednesday, May 29 through Sunday, June 2.
“Crazy For You”: Wednesday, July 2 through Sunday, July 7.
“A Little Night Music”: Wednesday, Aug. 7 through Sunday, Aug. 11.
“Little Shop of Horrors”: Wednesday, Sept. 11 through Sunday, Sept. 15
“My Best Friend’s Wedding”: Wednesday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 20.
Special ASL and open caption selected seats are available by calling the Ogunquit Playhouse Box Office at 207-646-5511 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays).