Flint, Mich. – Students from the Michigan School for the Deaf and American Sign Language students from
Grand Blanc High School experienced “FIM Flint Repertory Theatre’s A Driving Beat” in a unique way on March 26: with two ASL interpreters who specialize in performing arts.
The production was performed the same as for any audience, but deaf and hard-of-hearing students were
able to enjoy it more fully with the help of sign language. The ASL students from Grand Blanc benefited by
seeing how sign language can be used in a unique setting. A partnership like this between FIM and local
schools is part of a commitment to bringing the power of the performing arts to all.
“It is extremely important to FIM that we make our performances, classes and venues as accessible and
inclusive as possible. This was an excellent way to do that,” explains Flint Rep Managing Director and Interim
Artistic Director Nicole Samsel. “It was the first time Flint Rep has provided interpreters. We couldn’t think
of a better audience to join us on our inaugural run. Hopefully it’s something we can continue doing.”
The Michigan School for the Deaf also believes “diversity in school and community is to be embraced by
nurturing respect, acceptance and appreciation for differences among human beings.” This sentiment is
echoed by Ty Heisey and Kaitlyn Begley, ASL I and II instructors at Grand Blanc High School.
“By exploring different contexts, students will gain a better understanding of how interpreters function in
settings like schools, healthcare, entertainment and business environments. This knowledge will help them
navigate these spaces more effectively, especially when they are working alongside interpreters or
interacting with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds,” says Heisey, who is deaf.
Begley, who is hearing, added: “I am so thankful for everyone at FIM who supported making this happen! We
wanted to bring our ASL II students to an interpreted performance to give them an opportunity to see
accessibility and inclusion in another light. We have a lot of passionate signers interested in continuing their
education in ASL after high school. This will give our students invaluable insight into the deaf experience.”
After the performance, students mingled with the actors to share their thoughts on the show. The ASL
students also had the opportunity to talk with the deaf students about their experience.
FIM meets the special needs of its patrons whenever possible, including having ASL interpreters if they’re
available. All visitors have to do is request what they need when purchasing tickets.
The world premiere production of A Driving Beat by Jordan Ramirez Puckett runs through March 30 at FIM
Elgood Theatre. Developed in Flint Rep’s 2023 New Works Festival, A Driving Beat follows Mateo, a 14-year-old boy with brown skin, and Diane, his white adoptive mother, on a road trip from their home in Ohio to his birthplace in San Diego. Throughout the journey, they are forced to reconcile their differing identities and what it means to be a family.
