"Continuously" work with Deaf Organizations?

When I was young, I thought there were only a few deaf people in this world. I was wrong! Enrolling at the National Technical of Institute for the Deaf in Rochester, NY, I realized there were plenty of deaf people and I got a chance to meet a lot of them. Since then, I have wanted to meet more deaf people. I have always looked forward to meeting new deaf people.

I always feel “honored” to be invited by interpreters at different Interpreter Conferences to help them, the interpreters, improve their training skills. I also have been doing a lot of storytelling for years. I credit the interpreters for letting me explore the “storyteller” in me.

I am extremely lucky to have so many friends who have shown their unwavering support. They gave me the confidence to go out and perform in the hearing world. Most of all, being accepted as a Deaf storyteller by the Deaf community means a lot to me. It is the “seal of approval” from my own peers. I am going to be there for the “deaf community or deaf organization” that asks for my “services” as a performer. I am who I am now because of the “deaf community”.

(Photo: ASL/Interpreter Teacher's Dog in New Mexico: Red Tail and Me)

I am a workaholic and I love the challenges that I meet along the way. It is through the challenges and obstacles that I “strive” to do better at the same challenges and obstacles that kept me feeling alive and kept me going. Besides, I think I have the best job in the world, doing what I love to do and meeting a lot of people (and their pets). 

Drama, Drama, Drama!!! How did I happen to become an entertainer?

Yes, I do remember that I was in a Thanksgiving Pilgrim show in elementary school. I enjoyed wearing the costume – it felt fun to be someone else! That led me to understand what a “play” is. I played the role of Helen Keller during my freshman year of high school; I fell in love with drama. If you are wondering how many years I have been in drama, do your math! Four years in high school and seven years in college. Have you ever wondered if I will stop performing? I have been in shows for over 25 years. It sounds like half of my life has seen me involved in drama. I have enjoyed constantly telling stories! (Photo: College ~ National Technical Insitute of the Deaf (NTID), Rochester, New York ~ MacBeth/Lady MacBeth, 1986-87)

Is this business a full time job?

Yes, giving presentations around America is my full-time job. As a professional presenter and entertainer with over 25 years of experience, I love interacting with my workshop participants and audiences. I handle bookings from my home office. I pay behind–the scenes crew members, business consultants, mentors, and my editor as private contractors.

This is not a perfect job. Certainly, I face challenges, such as flight delays, last-minute schedule changes, economic ups and downs, negotiation stagnation points, and other issues. Sometimes I don’t get paid in a timely manner; I may even have to wait for months at a time before clients come through with payment.

This kind of work requires extensive hours spent in preparing for events, traveling to and from shows – usually 8 to 10 hours a day, in order to set up equipment before the presentations. Some hosts haven’t visualized the idea of how much time it requires from when I “clock in” to leave to go work and return to my desk. However, the total number of hours I am away on a job should be considered as part of my paid work.

My show includes multi-media animation, slides, video, and sound effects combined with ASL, stories, poetry, comedy, and other features, incorporating all of these elements using a laptop, LCD projector, and sound system. As part of my business, I provide the equipment needed to put on a high-tech, professional show that captivates all comers from Deaf to Hearing.

I love training interpreters and sharing updated resources. I’ve designed several specialized presentations for interpreters who wish to expand their skills in visual education, the art of sign language, and storytelling.

I also enjoy presenting shows related to Deaf Culture, ASL Improv, and stand-up comedy through stories told to communities. I enhance my stories with drama skills that I’ve developed over the years. Could there be any better way to make a living?

Q: Have your kids ever interpreted for you?

YES! During local performances, once in a while, we’ve found that at the last minute, our voice interpreter couldn’t make it. So, at that point, my kids filled in.

Bart is full of confidence, but he doesn’t always remember what he’s supposed to say. Sammie backs him up, whispering in his ear. Sammie feels too shy to use the mike, but she is a fountain of creativity when it comes to Improv! Bart is very expressive, making an eyebrow say the whole story - short and sweet. Sammie uses a lot of classifiers and likes to tell more elaborate stories.

It’s funny to see Bart perch on the stool and speak right out. He’s very comfortable with the mike. Once, he told an interpreter, “That’s not what my mom said, she said…..” It was a stunning moment!

They love to work with me on stage. I wouldn’t be surprised if the kids took over the interpreting and got the audience eating out of the palms of their hands. They’re great ASL storytellers!

Trix, we love your great ASL shows! What can we do to encourage ASL artists?

Do you like having a wide variety of American Sign Language entertainment available?
Do you like boosting signing and interpreting skills? With your determination and
creativity, you can contribute to these worthy goals and give your own organization
wider recognition by finding ways to sponsor entertainers and workshop presenters at
local venues. Providing fair compensation to performers and presenters is essential.
But what if your organization has difficulty covering the costs?

You can come up with creative ways to increase local sponsorship of ASL shows and
workshops. Many hosts have won grants or raised funds in other innovative ways to
bring ASL entertainment and educational seminars to eager audiences in their
communities. Rather than appealing for rate reductions which are unsustainable for
performing artists, creative hosts have talked with corporations, organizations,
agencies, community members, employers and friends to encourage donation of
sponsorship funds and tokens of appreciation.

Performers have extensive preparation time and travel expenses to absorb. If certain
projects require volunteer crew members, their lodging and meals, as well as any
tokens of appreciation, such as gift cards, must be covered.

Out of respect for the entertainers and educators you are bringing to your area, please

refrain from trying to get special deals or cut rates. Such discounts can’t sustain
successful business operations. Let’s show mutual respect and keep ASL entertainment
alive!

I’ve been in the American Sign Language entertainment business for 14 years ‐ I love

it! I want to continue to bring highly entertaining and educational shows and
presentations to your area. I am always there for you – I really respect, love, and enjoy
working with you all!

Trix, when people interview you, what is the most frequently asked question?

People are curious about how I became Deaf. It happened when I was 6 months old, due to meningitis. To be honest, it feels as if I've been Deaf all my life. I don't wear hearing aids, as they are not able to help me hear anything. I have had years of speech therapy, but my speech isn't perfect. People are also often curious about my age, marital status, whether or not my parents are hearing, and if I have deaf or hearing children. I am young at heart, and I always tell people that I am married to my career! My parents are hearing - I am the only Deaf person in my family. I have two hearing children who are now CODAs. (Children of Deaf Adults) And, yes, my children and I use ASL to communicate with one another! We love ASL!

Could you tell us about some of the happy moments during your travels?

I love trying to coordinate plans, using my ability to organize, to think in positive ways, and to show a professional manner. I enjoy keeping my commitments to meet the hosts’, audience’s, and participants’ expectations. I strongly believe that though nothing is perfect, I can work things out to do my very best in every circumstance.

Successes. Accomplishments. Achievement. Encouragement. It’s not always easy learning something new, but once you do, your confidence grows. First, plan. Then keep on going forward to make sure everything runs well. Getting your schedule right in advance is the best; sometimes I had to fly in and then run to present a workshop. I just keep my spirits up!

It’s a great pleasure for me to see participants absorbing information, updating their understanding about ASL, learning new classifier handshapes, and gaining the ability to translate English equivalents. I am thrilled to see their hunger for more! Some participants buy my DVDs so that they can practice at home.  Hot cocoa in hand, I keep presenting as much as I can.

When hosts book me, I am thrilled and honored to be a part of their special events. Relaxing in a hotel room before teaching or performing gives me time to think, prepare, meditate, and boost my energy! Organize! Think positive! I love journaling, too. This puts a big smile on my face.  When a plan falls apart, I just work to iron things out. Oh, and I learn from my mistakes, so the same problem won’t happen again.

Love these school kids coming and crawling for my autographed headshots. Their "tapping" on my shoulder, leg, arm, and back got my attention to take turns, signed my photos for them. Sweet moments!

 

I’ve received so many compliments, suggestions, and other ideas from all of YOU! Thank you! I will use some of these ideas in my presentations, along with offers to help. Everything you offer always gives me happy moments. Thank you, everyone, for all of your support.