The Magic of ASL
Funding
The Magic of ASL is a bi-annual, two-hour theatre performance, showcasing emerging and professional Deaf theatre artists. In normal circumstances, the event took place on a Winnipeg stage; in 2021, the event is virtual, taking place over Zoom. (In 2020, due to the pandemic, The Magic of ASL was cancelled.)
The Magic of ASL provides professional opportunities for Deaf performers and encourages Deaf arts in our Deaf Community. It is completely in ASL (American Sign Language) with no interpretation, to encourage the use of ASL. Audiences are in all age brackets and have various degrees of ASL skills. This is a great opportunity to brush up on your ASL skills!
This event is volunteer-run. Typical expenses (in a normal year) include venue rental and refreshments.
For the 2021 event, MCSD-DAM's Magic of ASL event is online. The title of that year's event reflects the times we found ourselves in: “The Magic of ASL + LSQ: The Covid-19 Edition”. We used YouTube to show the compiled video performances, followed by a Q&A segment delivered over Zoom.
A Canada-wide call for Deaf artists & performers went out earlier in that year. 14 Deaf performer groups responded, ranging from Quebec to British Columbia. The Deaf theatre artists groups’ acts were pre-recorded and were compiled for the online event. All Deaf artists were paid professional fees.
The Magic of ASL is hosted by MCSD and is supported by the Manitoba Association of Visual Language Interpreters (MALVI) who provide ASL interpretation for the event.
Learn more about the 2021 Magic of ASL+ LSQ performers
On the performers' page you will see the teaser promo and the promo posters as well as the bios of the performers.
