For many years, Deaf-led art has been a part of Melbourne Fringe, as well as many Auslan interpreted events. Jessica Moody, Director and Co-Founder of Deafferent Theatre, has helped define the Deaf community.

“On a basic level, the Deaf community are made up of individuals that share a common identity and language. We also refer to the Auslan community to include Auslan users that may not be Deaf such as family members; friends; interpreters; workers; Deafblind people, educators, allies and so forth.” - Jessica Moody, Director and co-founder, Deafferent Theatre

There are a number of ways to make your art accessible to the Deaf community – including Auslan interpreting, captioning, and visual ratings.

Auslan-Interpreted Performances and Events

Auslan is the sign language of the Australian Deaf community.

Auslan interpretation is available for a range of different type of performances, talks and events. Experienced Auslan theatre interpreters stand to the side of the speaker or action and interpret the text and dialogue into Auslan, signing live.

An important consideration when deciding on whether your event should be Auslan interpreted or not is the content of your show. If the language in a show is too complex it might be difficult to interpret; if it relies heavily on spoken comic timing, or is mostly reliant on music, rhyming couplets or the rhythm of the English language, then it may not translate perfectly.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t investigate the possibility of having an Auslan-interpreted event, but when in doubt consult with the Deaf or hard of hearing community, or at least your potential interpreter, to get their thoughts on it. On the other end of the spectrum, if a show is completely visual then it is naturally accessible to Deaf and hard of hearing audiences, and no interpreter would be required.

Booking Interpreters

• Set a date for the Auslan Interpreted event. For a two-week performance season, usually once or twice will be sufficient.
• Book the interpreters as early as possible. A month in advance is possible at other times of the year, but at Fringe time 2-3 months is usually required.
• Deaf community members often like to know the names of the interpreters engaged, and some have preferred interpreters who they will go to see, so make sure you are listing the name of your interpreter on all marketing material.
• Seek interpreters who have specialised skills - for example those with theatre interpreting experience. Auslan Stage Left specialises in Auslan Interpreting for theatre and has a Deaf language/cultural consultant working with the interpreters for each event.
• Two interpreters are usually required so they can share the tasks and take breaks, but ask your interpreter – it may depend on the event complexity and length.
• Interpreters’ rates are between $50-$150 per hour, and a booking is usually a two-hour minimum
• Don’t just look at the price of your interpreter. Often those who charge more will have specific experience. Organisations that engage with the Deaf and hard of hearing community can often help spread the word of your event, ask if that’s something they can offer. An individual / freelancer interpreter cannot and will not promote your event – don’t put them in the difficult position of asking them, this is not within their role or their standards of professional practice.

Here are some organisations you can contact to book Auslan interpreters:

• Auslan Stage Left [email protected] Ph. 0423 933 361 (Voice/SMS) www.auslanstageleft.com.au