STAGE HANDS ANNOUNCES CLOSING

To all the Stage Hands audience members, Interpreters, ASL Sign Masters, Outreach Coordinators and Advisory Committee members who have worked with us over the years...

It is with a great mix of pride and poignancy that Joe and Charlotte announce the closing of Stage Hands. We are grateful for your support of Stage Hands ASL interpreted performances since our inception in 2001. We are so proud of the Deaf-centered service model we promoted, always hiring Deaf Sign Masters and Outreach Coordinators, and the most talented Interpreters for each show. We have a great passion for theatre, and from the start our intention was to provide the best possible access and outreach services to the Deaf Community, and high quality interpreting of the plays and performances happening on stage.

We share so many memories of wonderful ASL interpreted plays through the years--The Lion King, Wicked, Rent, Mama Mia, Billy Elliot, just to name a few highlights. The relationships we developed with so many of you who came out to attend Stage Hands Interpreted performances are something we will forever cherish. And most assuredly we'll remember that beautiful sea of waving hands at the culmination of each Stage Hands interpreted performance...

...and we are waving hands back at you, with all of our gratitude for your enthusiasm and support.

Our best to you,
Joe and Charlotte

Joe Quinn and Charlotte Toothman
Co-founders
Stage Hands of the Bay Area

"I want to thank you both for the wonderful interpreting. This show was even more special because of the accessibility to those students who might have never seen a play or a play with such professional/clear interpreters.

I could see the students were mesmerized with the show and your work. Please share this email with the coordinators of the theatre who made this possible. I have been taking my daughter to see plays since she was 2 years old and always love seeing her eyes light up as the stage turns into magic. With you interpreting skills it makes the magic of the performers come to life even more so! A sincere thanks to you both for the awesome job you do making the stage come to life for Deaf patrons!"
-Carla Wetzel, Proud parent of CSD (California School for the Deaf) student

"Stage Hands not only has the interpretive skills for the job, but it also has marketing tools like e-mail lists to help bring in Deaf audiences. The organization also helpfully brings ASL-fluent docents and box office staff to assist audience members with tickets and seating on the day of the performance."   
-Randy Taradash, ACT (American Conservatory Theater) Marketing Events and Promotions Manager

"I cannot speak enough for the value this service has brought to our family and no doubt others. Seeing our son “chatter” about the shows to all the folks around who sign, is an INCREDIBLE joy. He is learning theatre, arts, social and language skills all in one great evening of great family enjoyment.”  
-Melanie Lindberg, mother of Deaf son and American Musical Theatre of San Jose patron

"Good interpreters like those provided by Stage Hands don't just translate what's happening on stage; they also convey emotions, tones of voice and expressiveness. It's a tough job. If you're watching someone unqualified trying to interpret a performance, you miss out on a lot of information." 
-Vadim Milman, theater patron and Stage Hands outreach consultant

Comments from hearing theater patrons about Stage Hands Sign Language Interpreters:

“We are in front of the Sign Language Interpreters. We find them thoroughly enjoyable. I actually find myself watching them rather than the play! They do such a great job. I look forward to seeing them."

“We think it is wonderful that you have the interpreters – we also enjoy watching them.”

“It truly improves the quality of life by being able to attend a mainstream production and have it make sense! With the interpreters at AMTSJ shows, my mother is able to enjoy the entire experience.”

“Please keep the interpreters – they do a GREAT job!”