Our Stories

At your Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, accessibility takes center stage. Two of the Center’s longtime ASL interpreters, Shannon Rickert and Erin Cooper, have spent years helping make Broadway productions accessible to the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community. We sat down with them to learn more about their craft, their preparation, and what it’s like to interpret live theater.

Shannon’s journey into live theater interpreting began unexpectedly. “I was asked to fill in for another interpreter for The Little Mermaid,” she recalls. “I’ve always loved theater, watching school plays as a kid, participating in high school productions, playing in the orchestra pit, but I never imagined I’d be standing in front of a full theater interpreting Broadway shows.” Today, she has nearly ten years of experience interpreting live performances at the Center, including Disney’s The Lion King, Disney’s Frozen, MJ the Musical, Hamilton, and SIX.

Erin’s path started even earlier. “I grew up performing in local theater and working on technical aspects,” she explains. A turning point came when she saw Deaf West Theatre’s Big River in 2004, a production that combined Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and hearing actors. “I found ASL theater mentors to study with, and they brought me into what I do now,” Erin says.  With 23 years of interpreting under her belt, she brings deep expertise and passion to every show.

Both interpreters emphasize the unique atmosphere at the Fox Cities P.A.C.  Shannon fondly remembers working alongside Erin during Disney’s The Lion King: “Her portrayal of the hyenas, hunched posture, facial expressions, hand shapes, was incredible. The energy and creativity blew me away.” Erin recalls Mary Poppins, where she shifted between multiple characters, navigating stature and personality differences while keeping every role visually distinct.

Interpreting live theater is a careful mix of preparation and creativity. Shannon and Erin receive scripts, recordings, and other materials ahead of time when available, and sometimes research past performances when scripts aren’t provided. “Rehearsal can take 20–30 hours, depending on the show and the team,” Erin says.

Shannon enjoys tackling the unique challenges of musical theater. “American Sign Language is a visual language, so emotion, humor, and nuance are shown in every movement and expression. Songs are the hardest part, but also the most fun to make visually engaging and meaningful.” Erin adds that creativity is essential, “We dive into each character, research lyrics and intent, and find sign concepts that best match what’s being said or sung on stage.”

Both interpreters measure success by watching the audience. Shannon notes, “If I can jive with my team and the patrons are reacting like the rest of the audience, I know we’ve succeeded.” Erin agrees, adding, “Seeing patrons connect with the story visually is the best feedback.”

For them, accessibility isn’t just a technical requirement, it’s central to the theater experience. “Everyone deserves to enjoy the arts, no matter how they experience the performance,” Shannon emphasizes.

Shannon and Erin’s work goes beyond interpreting lines, it ensures that everyone, regardless of hearing ability, can experience the magic of live theater. Their dedication, creativity, and expertise make every Broadway performance at your Fox Cities P.A.C. an inclusive celebration of the arts.

Header Photo Credit: Kim Thiel