Playwrights craft words together to transport us to far-off lands, shed light on the forgotten, or grant new and unexpected insights.
For Morrison Center Broadway in Boise subscriber Tara Adams, that language is shaped in front of her. Accessibility accommodations like performing arts interpreters, allow Adams to experience a show with real-time American Sign Language (ASL).
“The music is coming through our eyes,” she said. “The spoken word is coming through there. We Deaf people watch in a different way than hearing people do. We're very much focused on the visual aspect of the performance. And being able to access and see the interpreters while being able to watch the show is very, very important.”
The Morrison Center has consistently provided ASL performing arts interpreters since its 2021 reopening, covering all 24 Broadway shows and 13 non-Broadway shows.
“I think sometimes people, when they see interpreters, take for granted the process it takes to get them there,” Adams said. “And to give credit to the organization that provides them, because they're not always available. Many community events do not provide ASL.”
But that access is crucial.
“Every Broadway show has so much meaning behind it; meaning that’s valuable even outside of the show,” she said. “Being able to access the arts especially has much more of an impact on Deaf people than just the enjoyment of the show itself. You gain a gift of knowledge and understanding that goes far beyond just the pleasure of being there.”
Accessibility accommodations don’t just benefit their intended communities either.
“People come up to me all the time and comment ‘Oh, I saw the interpreters in the show, and they added so much value to the overall show.’ It doesn't conflict with it. It enhances.”
To learn more about Morrison Center accessibility, visit morrisoncenter.com.
Investing in arts education fosters creativity, connection, confidence, and community well-being.