“Access to arts and culture is not a privilege – it’s a civil right.”
-Beth Prevor, Co-founder & Executive Director, Hands On
Hands On cultivates meaningful partnerships among theatres, interpreters, Deaf creatives, and Deaf and signing audiences to promote artistically integrated interpreted theatre. Through training, mentorship, and resources, we strengthen the network of interpreters and interpreter directors while centering Deaf and hard of hearing perspectives, linguistic and cultural richness, and diverse lived experiences.
Guided by equity and mutual respect, we work collaboratively to create accessible theatre experiences that honor the artistic integrity of each production and celebrate the richness of Deaf culture and the signing community. Celebrating these shared spaces and building community is at the heart of what we do.
Hands On strives to create a theatre culture where sign language interpretation is embedded in a collaborative artistic practice, Deaf and diverse cultural perspectives are integral to the creative process, and audiences share the experience of storytelling fostering lasting connections and social impact across communities.
Equity – centers Deaf and hard of hearing perspectives, diverse representation and ensures access to create a welcoming environment for all audiences.
Community – reflects authentic deep cultural embeddedness and sustained connection with Deaf, signing, interpreting, and theatre communities.
Collaboration – relationships are at the core of our practice enriching the artistry and integrity of the work through partnerships, mentorship, training, and shared creative practice.