American Sign Language

Interview with the actors:

Q: Is anyone in your family deaf?

No.

Q: Then, why do you use American Sign Language?

Because it's fun. It's an extremely expressive language which lends itself well to stage. Works well backstage too, where you have to stay quiet so the audience won't be distracted.

Q: How did you start using ASL in the shows?

When our hearing friends learned of our interest in American Sign Language (ASL) they would tell us about the time they went to a show and how they enjoyed watching the interpreter. Our deaf friends complained about missing the action because they had to watch the interpreter. So we came up with a solution. By having the actors use voice and sign language, we have brought the performance level to a new realm. And we are happy to serve as a bridge between two cultures.

Q: How did you learn ASL?

Well, Kimberly started in grade school, reading books - like The Joy of Signing, and then started taking classes in San Francisco after graduating from high school. When you learn any language you reach a point when you want more than books and classes so, she found a deaf community to hang out with. Dennis started because Kimberly made him, and he always does everything his wife tells him to (yeah right). And Zephyr began signing as a baby, before he could talk. It's easier for a baby to learn how to sign than to learn how to use their vocal chords.

Q: Do you sign in every show, even if there aren't deaf in the audience?

Yes. We like to let everyone know ASL is a language that anyone can use. It helps people learning English know what is going on. And we've discovered that it captivates the "stroller-set".