Our Courses

Below is a list of the courses we offer. Check out Upcoming Courses for dates and booking details.

Introduction to Theatre Interpreting

This one day workshop is designed to provide an introduction to theatre as we delve in to the various aspects of the theatrical interpreting domain. As well as being an introduction to professional Theatre Interpreting, it is highly recommended for school/college plays or those who are involved with amateur drama or youth drama groups. (Open to those with Level 3 BSL and above.)  

Interpreting for Musical Theatre (Jukebox)

These courses are suitable for interpreters with little or limited Theatre interpreting experience, to those with extensive experience. The course is for those who wish to explore the demands and skills required to operate in this specialist domain and offers a safe space to do so.

The courses are based around one of our current ‘Jukebox’ shows and typically includes an opportunity to see an interpreted performance.   These shows could include: Grease, MAMMA MIA!, On Your Feet! or Tina The Musical.

Interpreting for Musical Theatre (Classical)

These courses are suitable for interpreters with little or limited Theatre interpreting experience, to those with extensive experience. The course is for those who wish to explore the demands and skills required to operate in this specialist domain and offers a safe space to do so.

The courses are based around one of our current ‘Classical’ shows and typically includes an opportunity to see an interpreted performance.   These shows could include: The Phantom of the Opera or Les Misérables.

Interpreting for Musical Theatre (Rock)

These courses are suitable for interpreters with little or limited Theatre interpreting experience, to those with extensive experience. The course is for those who wish to explore the demands and skills required to operate in this specialist domain and offers a safe space to do so.

The courses are based around one of our current ‘Rock’ shows and typically includes an opportunity to see an interpreted performance. These shows could include: Bat Out of Hell or We Will Rock You.

Interpreting for Musical Theatre (Children’s)

These courses are suitable for interpreters with little or limited Theatre interpreting experience, to those with extensive experience. The course is for those who wish to explore the demands and skills required to operate in this specialist domain and offers a safe space to do so.

The courses are based around one of our current ‘Children’s’ shows and typically includes an opportunity to see an interpreted performance.   These shows could include: Matilda or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Interpreting for Musical Theatre (Contemporary)

These courses are suitable for interpreters with little or limited Theatre interpreting experience, to those with extensive experience. The course is for those who wish to explore the demands and skills required to operate in this specialist domain and offers a safe space to do so.

The courses are based around one of our current ‘variety’ shows and typically includes an opportunity to see an interpreted performance. These shows could include; Billy Elliot, Kinky Boots, Hair or Hairspray.

Interpreting for Plays

This course unravels the challenges of interpreting plays. Using a live script, participants will have the opportunity to work with the text/dialogue, play with characterisation and reflection and produce a translation. We aim to coincide this course with an opportunity to see an interpreted performance of the show where possible. Previous courses we have held have been based on The Mousetrap and War Horse. Future courses could include: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and One Man 2 Guvnors.

Interpreting Comedy

“Ha ha very funny……. was it?”

Interpreting comedy can be one of the most daunting challenges an interpreter can face. This one day workshop will equip you with tools to tackle comedy in a way that visually reflects the ‘gag’, while providing plenty of practical opportunities to put your interpretations to the test in a safe environment.

Interpreting for Pantomime (Introduction)

Oh yes we do. Oh no you don’t!

Often we hear that Interpreters/communicators have ‘done panto’ because – “well it’s just a bit of fun isn’t it?!”

We offer both introductory and advanced courses focusing on the extreme challenges of interpreting pantomime as it is in fact one of the hardest genres to offer BSL access to without specialist training.

During the introduction we will guide you through the history of panto and how this knowledge relates to the decisions, dilemmas and complexities of interpreting in this field today. 

We’ll provide you with tools and tips on developing your approach, preparation and practice and the decision making process before accepting this work.

Interpreting for Pantomime (Advanced)

Oh yes you do….NOW – eeeek!

This advanced course focuses on the challenges of interpreting pantomime, puns and the inevitable pies.

During this course we will guide you through scripts, songs, characters, pace, timing and so much more to help you with the decisions and dilemmas of Interpreting in this field. 

We’ll provide you with tools and tips on how to reflect extreme characters and all the delightful wordplay that comes with PANTOMIME

Exploring Shakespeare

This course allows us to explore Shakespeare’s works and how we may begin to approach its beauty using BSL without losing the essence of his language.

This course will suit those who work with Shakespeare’s materials in a variety of domains, as well as those that want to explore the challenges of interpreting Shakespeare in a safe space!

Making It Visual

Have you ever seen a story told in BSL and thought – ‘Wow, they make it look so easy??’ 

Using a variety of materials and exercises, this one day workshop offers learners an opportunity to explore the words from ‘the page to the stage’ (be it theatre, conference, schools, home or otherwise) enabling participants to develop strategies for stepping away from English and providing a visually creative and meaningful interpretation.

Storytelling

Are you sitting comfortably…? … then we’ll begin…

Once upon a time…

Ever tried to sign a children’s story and found yourself bogged down with words and unable to create a visual that portrays the wonder of the moment?

This one day workshop will provide you with tips and tools on how to step away from the English and create a visual story.

(Course can be coupled with Making it Visual course for additional practice and development)

Music and Lyrics

With the social and national media attention on those that sign for music, there has been an influx of signed songs hitting our screens across all social media platforms. Many of which lack not only the meaning but also the beauty and nuances of BSL as a visual language.

This one day workshop will guide you through the steps to strip back and understand the lyrics, hear, feel and portray the beat and musicality, and produce a meaningful and enjoyable song translation for anyone communicating in sign.