SPIT News - Issue 26, September 2001

Welcome to new SPIT members!

SPIT warmly welcomes Oxford Stage Company, Theatre Alibi and the Northcott Theatre, Exeter, the Drill Hall and the Gate Theatre in London. SPIT has been growing steadily since its launch in 1994 and membership currently stands at 65.

The committee has changed considerably in the last few months, and so to bring you up to date, here is a list of the voluntary executives and their full-time occupations

  • Angela Chrimes (Associate Producer, English Touring Theatre)
  • Caro Howell (Youth & Special Projects, Tate Modern)
  • Sarah Hunt (Marketing Director, Donmar Warehouse)
  • Cath Hunter (Subtitler, BBC and Communication Support Worker with Deaf students)
  • Kevin Jamieson (Marketing Officer - Networks, West Yorkshire Playhouse)
  • Paul Reeve (Education Manager, Royal Opera House)
  • John Wilson (Deaf Arts Administrator, Shape UK)
  • Nikki Young (Marketing Officer, National Theatre)
  • Sarah Sills is SPIT's part-time administrator. If you have any questions about SPIT or sign language interpreted performances, please contact Sarah at the contact details on page 3, who will be happy to answer your questions, or to forward queries to any of the above executives.

SPIT Board Awayday

The members of SPIT's executive met for an 'away day' in July to discuss SPIT's achievements to date, and what the future holds.

SPIT aims to encourage and develop the provision of sign language interpreted performances of the highest quality, to ensure that the wide range of theatre experiences in the UK is accessible to Deaf and hard of hearing people.

Last year's conference in Derby - 'A Good Night Out?' - raised many issues about what SPIT could do to enhance its service, and the away day was spent exploring these ideas.

  • Building stronger links with the Deaf Community
  • Encouraging and promoting provisions for people who are hard of hearing
  • Forming a Deaf Advisory Committee
  • Developing New Technology - e.g. enhancing the SPIT website and making links with other websites of Deaf interest
  • Forging links with Training Providers

With so much to do within the remit of theatre at the present time, it was decided that SPIT should retain its theatre focus, but that we could work with other art forms to promote events e.g. Museums, Galleries and Cinemas.

As you can see, a lot of ideas were discussed and we know that we have a lot to do. However, we are beginning to implement plans, and with the recent fresh intake of executives we feel confident that SPIT will forge ahead. We will update you on projects as they develop.

If you have any comments to make about any of the topics listed above, or ideas about how they can be developed, we urge you to contact us - SPIT is your service, and in order for it to function at is best, we need YOUR feedback!


OPERATION SPIT! Calling all deaf theatre-goers!

If you answered YES to all of the above, you are perfect to join OPERATION SPIT - the SPIT DEAF ADVISORY Group!

In an effort to combat bad experiences and congratulate good practice in theatres, SPIT is recruiting Deaf theatre-goers who will report to SPIT on a regular basis about their theatre-going experiences.

We want to know about both the good and the bad things you have to say about sign language interpreted performances, so that we can then work with theatres to ensure that your visit to the theatre is enjoyable and trouble-free.

Theatres should not feel nervous about this initiative. If we receive complaints, we shall contact you to discuss how the problem can be addressed. We will not publicise isolated incidents - but we will highlight good practice!

To become a member of OPERATION SPIT contact Sarah Sills.



Sign language interpreted performances - from a Stage Technician's point of view

Having read the recent issue of SPIT News, one section in particular titled 'British Sign Language Interpreters' comments on their experiences of interpreting theatre' caught my eye. Being a lighting technician myself and working as a resident and touring technician, I have come across numerous interpreters in my time.

I believe that the points made by the interpreters were valid ones, but there is always another side to the story. On tour especially, or in a very busy receiving house, problems arise at the flick of a switch. The last concern (I am embarrassed to say in some cases) is whether the interpreter's light is faded up at the precise moment of their positioning on the stage.

Having studied sign language translation and interpretation for theatre (especially for an integrated audience) at University for three years you probably can see why this topic attracted my attention.

Perhaps it's time for a representative of some kind to visit theatres, and enlighten theatre staff, in order to change some of the negative perceptions around interpreters and BSL performances. Especially with the seeming increase in productions being interpreted all over the country.

Marsha Locke



If you're interested in Deaf arts, don't miss RNID's Breaking the Sound Barrier, the leading event on deafness and hearing loss.

The event takes place on 19th and 20th October 2001 at the Business Design Centre in Islington, north London. It features a wide range of seminars, workshops and a free highly interactive exhibition. Highlights of the exciting arts programme include a performance of the acclaimed touring company of deaf and hearing performers Uncommon Ground Sign Dance Collective, a discussion of Deaf Theatre, and a short dramatic performance by Shape and the new Deaf theatre group, HoneyBee, and an art exhibition by students at RNID Poolmead.

For more details on events and booking contact the RNID Information Line:
Tel: 0808 808 0123; Text: 0808 808 9000
Fax: 020 7296 8199
E-mail: informationline@rnid.org.uk
Website: www.rnid.org.uk

SPIT is delighted to receive a large grant from the Gulbenkian Foundation. These generous donations are a vital source of income, which enables SPIT to continue its work to encourage and develop the provision of sign language interpreted performances of the highest quality, and to ensure that the wide range of theatre experiences throughout the UK is accessible to Deaf and hard of hearing people. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Sarah Sills.

No Clash Diary

Avoid clashing with another venue offering a SLIP on the same night as you; use SPIT's National No-Clash Diary to check and register dates for your SLIPs.

Remember - it only works if you use it!

Up to date listings can be seen on our performance listings page

Free Publicity

If you have any projects that you want to share with other SPIT newsletter readers, please send the details to Sarah Sills at SPIT. Any photos or images of events both past and present are always welcome.

We promise to return them to you as soon as they have been used.



FREE PUBLICITY

If you have any projects that you would like share with other SPIT members, please send the details to Sarah Sills at SPIT.

Any photos or images of events past and present are always gratefully received, and we promise to return them to you as soon as they have been used.



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