philosophy & approach

Carmelle has been involved in the performing arts her whole life and believes art is the reflection of the soul, humanity, and the world.

Her approach, when interpreting for theatre and performing arts, is one of collaboration with the Deaf community and believes in the importance of working with Deaf Interpreters, ASL Coaches, and consultants in the process.

As an ally to the Deaf community,

she supports Deaf artists and continuously

advocates for accessibility to the arts.

Do you want to

incorporate ASL in your production

provide ASL interpretation

for Deaf audience members?

Reach out to

DEAF ARTISTS, ASL COACHES,

DEAF COMMUNITY CONSULTANTS, and

DEAF INTERPRETERS

start here

Bio

Carmelle has been working as a professional interpreter for over 20 years. She has obtained her certification in both Canada (COI) and the United States (NIC) working in various settings in the community throughout her career.

She is no stranger to the performing arts having grown up involved in dancing, singing, playing the piano, and theatre. Her love for theatre led her to attend the Theatre Development Fund’s ‘Interpreting for Theatre Program’ in New York City, which was a life-changing experience. She has been working with theatres and artists ever since as a strong supporter for accessible performances.

Over the years Carmelle has had the opportunity to work as an interpreter with a number of different theatre and performing arts companies. Working alongside Deaf consultants, Deaf Interpreters, and ASL coaches (such as:

Jo-Anne Bryan, Sera Kassab, Sage Lovell, Krishna Madaparthi, Elizabeth Morris, Daz Saunders, Jack Volpe, and Pamela Witcher) she assists in educating theatres and artists on how to make a performance accessible for Deaf artists and patrons. Some notable productions she has been fortunate to be involved with are: The Accidental Women (NAC Indigenous and English Theatre); Mountaintop, Bang Bang (Great Canadian Theatre Company); Children of God (Urban Ink/Segal Centre); Tribes (Segal Centre); The Secret Garden (Young People’s Theatre); Around the World in 80 Days, Beethoven Lives Upstairs (Geordie Productions); The Bonds of Interest, Lysistrata (Odyssey Theatre); Medea (Opera Atelier); Alice Through the Looking Glass (Stratford/NAC); A Christmas Carol (NAC English Theatre); Silence (NAC/Grand Theatre); The Hockey Sweater (NAC/Segal Centre).

In addition to interpreting numerous theatre productions, she is the ASL Interpreter Consultant for the National Arts Centre English Theatre working alongside Deaf Consultant Jo-Anne Bryan, and is involved with The Great Canadian Theatre Company on the Executive Board and Artist Committee. She is a tap dancer in her own artistic practice and is a member of Speaking Vibrations, The Ottawa Rhythm Initiative Ensemble and is the co-founder of the West Coast Tap Dance Collective in British Columbia.