The Atlantic County Institute of Technology (ACIT) took a significant step toward inclusivity by incorporating American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation into a special matinee performance of “Cinderella.” Four ASL students interpreted the play live, making the production accessible to Deaf audience members.
“We are proud to support initiatives that promote inclusivity and give all students the opportunity to shine,” said Dr. Phil Guenther, superintendent of ACIT. “By incorporating ASL interpretation into the musical, we created a welcoming experience for the Deaf community and provided an invaluable opportunity for all students to learn the importance of accessibility in the arts. This project highlights how creativity and collaboration break down barriers and make cultural experiences available to a broader audience.”
The initiative was led by senior Joshua Weightman, who proposed the idea and translated the entire “Cinderella” script into ASL, ensuring Deaf audience members could fully enjoy the performance.
“Adding ASL interpretation to ‘Cinderella’ was inspired by my experience with Hands Up Silent Theater, where we perform musicals in both ASL and English,” said Weightman, an ASL student at ACIT. “Working with my fellow ASL students was an amazing experience. We met at Starbucks, during class, and over lunch to learn the signs and practice together.”
The student interpreters attended rehearsals, collaborated with actors, and immersed themselves in the production over two months leading to the performance. Under the guidance of ASL teacher Devin Quinn-Gibson, they refined their interpretation and worked diligently to ensure accessibility and authenticity.
“As an ASL instructor and member of the Deaf community, supporting Joshua and the ASL students through the ‘Cinderella’ translation and rehearsal process was deeply inspiring,” said Quinn-Gibson. “Their initiative created a more inclusive production and served as a powerful advocacy effort, bridging the gap between Deaf and hearing communities. Witnessing their dedication on stage was one of the most rewarding moments of my teaching career—a reminder of why I do this work.”
To further support Deaf audience members, ACIT designated a reserved seating section to provide optimal viewing of the interpreters.
“The overwhelmingly positive response from professional interpreters, parents, and Deaf audience members praised the clarity and emotional depth of the ASL performance,” Quinn-Gibson added. “Many encouraged the students to pursue careers in interpretation. Their success has sparked enthusiasm for making ASL interpretation a permanent part of ACIT productions, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity, Deaf awareness, and accessibility in the performing arts.”
The interpreters’ expressive performances added an extra layer of depth to the show, particularly during the musical number “There’s Music in You,” which left a lasting impression on the audience.
“It was incredibly moving to watch the interpreters,” said Cinderella director Elizabeth Volpe. “They took what was set on stage and used emotion and expression to bring it to life. The students were great at communicating their needs, ensuring they were positioned in front of the action so the audience could focus on both the actors and interpreters together.”
“The most impactful moment for me was seeing how the interpreters conveyed the emotions of the songs, proving that both Deaf and hearing audiences connect through the same feelings,” Weightman reflected.
ACIT’s media students filmed the performance and are currently editing a version with a window-in-window format, allowing viewers to watch both the actors and interpreters simultaneously.
While ASL students have previously participated in talent shows, this marks the first time ACIT students have interpreted an entire musical—a historic moment for the ACIT Arts Program.
