Performances with Sign Language
For the 2001 season, it was announced the Theater would employ two signers so that the hearing impaired could attend a theatre performance and understand the dialog. The Theatre engaged the services of Cheri Martinez of Linden and Christy Morris of Warrenton for this task. For the season, they would sign one evening performance and one matinee of the following: On Golden Pond; Art; Dracula; and the Christmas show, Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.
The signers were placed at the lip of the stage on the house-left side and were illuminated by a spot light. This writer recalls performing in a production that was signed and, while it was a bit distracting at first, as the performance continued the signers were barely noticeable.
The January 2002 issue of Wayside Theatre Facts included a brief note that the theatre would continue to offer signed performances for the hearing impaired during the 2002 season. Appreciation is expressed to the work of Cheri Martinez and Christy Morris for their signing during the 2001 season.
However, it seems 2001 was the only year that signers were used. It could have been due to cost, as “each sign-interpreted performance costs the theater $250” states Crocker, who adds, “We’re hoping to find folks who will sponsor these special performances” (McCarty. “Wayside Theatre Shows …. 1 Aug. 2001).
Although records do not show it, this service did not continue after 2001. It isn’t clear why this was discontinued, but most likely it was lack of funding.
In a conversation with a person who signed several performances, it was revealed that it had not been a good experience for the signers, as they never received a copy of the script prior to the performance nor given any background as to what the performance was about. This person also mentioned that there seemed to be little or no advertisement about which performances were signed, even though this schedule did appear in McCarty’s article mentioned above (Rupert. Conversation. 29 Aug. 2016).