Half-N-Half - Sherry Hicks





For information on how to bring one of Sherry's workshops to your neighborhood, contact us at Sherry@half-n-half.com

Sherry Hicks
Workshops: Teaching the Craft

Workshops/Training - Writer/Producer/Solo Performer
Interpreted Theatre - Interpreter
Training and Intensive Workshops Sherry Hicks, MFA, CSC

"Musically Inspired ASL Storytelling" is a phenomenon first used by Sherry Hicks when working with music and American Sign Language (ASL). She has actively put the craft to good use since April 1991. This first came about through the collaboration and creative work of two Oh-Codas, (only hearing members of Deaf families- and Deaf siblings). Sheila Jacobs and Sherry Hicks. Their coming together was reflected in a creative manner using ASL and music to tell stories. Sometimes the ASL "fit" the music and sometimes not.

This term, "Musically Inspired ASL Storytelling" outlined below describes what the craft entails. This craft is applied when song-signing takes place, the "artist or teller" breaks form and signs the song to audiences with the song itself as merely a backdrop providing musical entertainment or audio playback of the musical selection; but signing-wise a whole other matter takes place.

In accessing the visual-gestural realm, an explosion of symmetry, rhythm, and handshape play are delivered in a flurry that accents the music heard. Along with this, there is a storyline that is loosely connected to the music heard by employing yet another aspect; the personal or cultural translation. Once in a while the ASL may match the music on a certain beat to give it more flavor and punch. The story will often be a departure from the original- often adding a personal or cultural (Deaf-centric, Coda- centric) translation, purely for engaging these audiences in storytelling. The use of other elements listed below may be all used or not. Employing these features often gets favorable results.

Sherry Hicks developed a workshop in February of 2000 and first debut this particular topic and craft in Atlanta, Georgia at Perimeter College for interpreters and students. She along with long time collaborator Michael Velez unveiled their secrets of "translation work" along with the elements of "musically inspired ASL storytelling".

The workshop takes participants on a journey that is a step beyond interpreting, although the interpreting process is applied. What is developed and focused upon is introducing the elements of "musically inspired ASL storytelling". These include: rhythm, symmetry, handshape play, along with personal and/or cultural translation. Important skill building in the use of the Visual Vernacular, (V.V.) a term coined by Bernard Bragg, is vital to the on going advanced development of sign language interpreters¹ work. The V.V. includes all human movement within the film frame and outlines the use of different relationships including a close-up of a certain character, and its use in space. Other relationships include: slow motion/fast motion, panoramic view, zooming, and role shift. Practice with characterizations and the exchange of going back and forth between the long shot/close up of the character and/or the use of space.

These elements make for a dynamic interesting workshop sure to move participants to new heights in their understanding and incorporation of these elements of ASL that are so vital for success in communication in ASL.

List of Workshops and some brief descriptions.

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Sherry HicksWorkshops: Teaching the Craft

Sherry Hicks
Workshops: Teaching the Craft