Previous Workshops
Previous Workshops
Who Art Thou?
Presented in English by Hilary Wagner
Presenter Biography:
Hilary is an American Sign Language interpreter with over 12 years of professional experience. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Deaf Studies with an emphasis in ASL Interpretation from California State University Northridge, in 2013.
Since entering the field, Hilary has worked across a wide range of interpreting environments, including medical, educational, video relay service, and ASL instruction. Her diverse background has shaped her into a well-rounded and adaptable interpreter.
A lifelong enthusiast of the fine arts, Hilary has a particular passion for theater. Alongside her own stage performances, she has developed a strong specialization in theatrical interpretation. She has served as an interpreter at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire for the past eleven years and has interpreted numerous stage productions and musical performances since her time in college. Hilary remains dedicated to fostering professional growth within the interpreting community and is especially enthusiastic about mentoring others in the art of theatrical interpreting.
Workshop Description:
Characterization is essential to our role as interpreters in multiple venues of our field. This workshop is built to analyze various types of characters, and learn to embody them within our interpretation, to create a seamless message equivalence for our consumers. We will focus on the use of facial expressions, role shifting, and stylistic choices to enhance the end product. There will also be discussion of how to differentiate between multiple characters by using differences in age, gender, and tone. Participants will have the opportunity for hands on practice by studying various clips and characters during the workshop.
From Shore to Ship: The Interpreter's Voyage?
Presented in ASL by Tabatha King & Hilary Wagner
Tabatha King and Hilary Wagner have become a dynamic duo with a combined 25 years of experience in the field as professional interpreters in a variety of settings. The pair have been able to apply such skills to cruise interpreting, coming in at a whopping 80+ sailings between them. Their work has taken them from solo assignments to teams of 100+ interpreters, with opportunities to step in as a designated lead interpreter for group settings along the way. Be it rocking out with musical performances or providing access to laughs at the comedy club; these two are ready to snorkel, zipline, or interpret while walking backwards if the need arises. From their time onboard, not only do they have a list of tips and tricks to share, but also the soft skills to navigate the “rough waters” between passengers, crew, and entertainment.
Workshop Description:
Get ready to navigate the dynamic world of cruise interpreting! This workshop covers pre-assignment prep to post-cruise follow-ups. Learn how to traverse port arrivals, boarding procedures, and on-board communication with crew and passengers. Discover practical tips for interpreting in dynamic, multicultural settings and ensuring smooth, professional interactions at every stage. On-stage comedy, dazzling productions, exciting excursions, and on-board fun—we do it all, but how exactly? By the end, you'll have the skills and confidence to provide seamless interpreting services from embarkation to disembarkation.
Decoding Taxes for ASL Interpreters: Practical Tips & Tools
Presenter: Jon Sahlin, CPA NIC
Jon Sahlin is a Certified Public Accountant, Adjunct Professor, and Certified ASL Interpreter, as well as a proud CODA (Child of Deaf Adults). Based in Connecticut, he runs his own accounting practice and serves a diverse range of clients across the country.
In his work, Jon combines his financial expertise with a unique cultural perspective, offering specialized tax and financial guidance to sign language interpreters and actively supporting the Deaf community. At the same time, he’s dedicated to making financial literacy accessible for everyone he works with. Whether teaching in the classroom or leading workshops, Jon is passionate about empowering all his clients, especially those in the ASL community, to navigate their financial journeys confidently.
Beyond the Page: Storytelling Strategies for Clear & Expressive Interpretation
Presenter: Angelia Carrera
From The Page to The Stage
Facilitated by Cathy M. Markland
This workshop is presented by StageHands Interpreting.
Interpreted Theater is a collaborative, community-centered experience designed to inspire connection, creativity, and learning. Join us for an engaging day of discovery as we explore essential theater vocabulary and examine songs and scripts from Broadway productions. Together, we’ll analyze texts and learn how to plan realistic timelines for creating culturally responsive, linguistically accurate, and equivalent interpreted performances.
This workshop, presented in English, offers a supportive, judgment-free space where participants can learn from one another, share ideas, and grow together. Expect meaningful
collaboration, thoughtful discussion, and opportunities for collective expression—all while having fun. We invite you to be part of this dynamic experience and help bring interpreted
theater to life.
Educational Objectives:
Participants will identify and define 3 key vocabulary terms related to theatrical and performance interpreting.
Participants will analyze a theatrical script to identify meaning intent, and linguistic features relevant to interpretation.
Participants will construct the timeline, roles, and tasks required to plan and execute ASL interpretation services for a performing arts request.