Further training: Sign language in the performing arts

Between spoken language and sign language – communication and the involvement of interpreters in performative processes

Content /// Costs /// Experts /// Accessibility /// Travel

Create accessible culture with sign language! In this training course, you will learn how interpreters can be successfully integrated into performative processes, how potential Deaf visitors can be reached and what appropriate, respectful communication with them and with Deaf artists and colleagues can look like.

Experts: Rafael-Evitan Grombelka, Konstanze Bustian
Date: Friday, 21.11.2025
Time: 11 am – 5 pm
Location: Un-Label Studio, Cologne
Language: German sign language and German spoken language

Content

Part I:
The first part of the training focuses on the question of how sign language interpreters can be integrated into performative processes. Rafael-Evitan Grombelka and Konstanze Bustian address existing barriers in the theater, explain how translation processes work on stage and during rehearsals, present various possibilities for integration and what preparation is required. The central topic is rounded off with facts about the living environment of Deaf people in Germany, an introduction to deaf culture and insights into the discussion surrounding the topic of “cultural appropriation”.

Part II:
The second part deals with internal and external communication. How are interested, potential visitors in the Deaf community reached? Through which PR channels? What should be considered? What is important in contact with Deaf visitors before, during and after performances? What is important in contact between hearing and Deaf colleagues within an artistic production team?

In addition, there will be plenty of space for your questions and any uncertainties you may have in contact with Deaf people, for discussion and exchange.

Costs

30 € | 55 € | 75 € (according to self-assessment)

Experts

Rafael-Evitan Grombelka is a Deaf actor in theater and film, sign poet, lecturer and sign language interpreter. He can be seen in theater productions as well as in many other contexts, e.g. as an interpreter for the “Tagesschau”, in 2023 as a music performer on the Disney tour “Das große Disney Jubiläum” and in 2020 as a finalist on RTL’s “Das Supertalent”. Awards for Best Actor 2006 and 2022 at the German Sign Language Festival in Munich (DEGETH).

Konstanze Bustian is a hearing lecturer and interpreter for German spoken language and German sign language and has been working at Un-Label and in the cultural and theater context for ten years now, among many other contexts.

Accessibility

All event rooms are barrier-free.
Interpreters German spoken language – German sign language (DGS) are available on site.
Assistance dogs are welcome.
If required, we can provide work assistance or mobility assistance on site, please indicate this when registering.

Further Information

Address: Un-Label Studio | Hosterstr. 1-5 | 50825 Cologne-Neuehrenfeld
The stop Lenauplatz (barrier-free) of the KVB line 5 (Dom / Hbf – Ossendorf) is located in the immediate vicinity of the building Hosterstraße1-5.
Departure times (KVB)

For questions and further information:
Charlott Dahmen / Paulina Seyfried
beratung@un-label.eu
Phone: +49 (221) – 5501544
Mobile: +49 1732466255

The training and further education program is made possible by the project Access Maker – Innovationshub