Here's the link to my vlog in American Sign Language:
My name is Jordan Sangalang. I am Deaf and I'm on the cast for show called "Tribes" written by Nina Raine. I would be lying if I was saying I'm confident. Truth be told, this is my first ever speaking role I took up on. I've performed using physical sketch comedy (mime) and American Sign Language (ASL). But speaking? This is a first for me.
You see here, I was born Deaf and had speech training at a young age but grew up using ASL. Throughout elementary and high school, I've attended and graduated at schools for the Deaf. Then took up post-secondary education at international renowned universities. My academic background were taught through ASL, either through professors or interpreters. I communicate primarily through ASL. ASL had no barriers and had not hindered my ability to learn, communicate and connect with people. Although, I still do have speaking ability. Growing up Deaf, I have a "Deaf accent". To be honest, I'm not sure how I can explain that here in text. When I speak or pronounce some words, they may not be clear to some people. This kind of thing is not new for me and I'm not offended if people do not understand me or ask me about my pronunciations. I mean I get asked this all the time. People are curious human beings. But to fully expressive myself, my thoughts, my feelings and anything on my mind, I prefer to express them in ASL. ASL is the language I feel most comfortable with myself as opposed to speaking. It depends whom I speak with though. People who know me well enough would understand myself when I speak.
Now, with acting, I admit I am nervous about speaking on stage when performing. If my role was only ASL, then I'd feel more confident, but would still feel nervous. With ASL, I'd be able to just focus on my performance and how I act it out. But for speaking, I'd be focusing on making sure I enunciate loud and clear so that the audience can understand me even from the back of the room. I know that when I try to speak up louder, it ends up sounding like I'm shouting. It may be awkward and give an audience something to be entertained!
Anyway, tomorrow will be the first day of rehearsals with the cast. I've met with the cast one-on-one during the last couple months. The intent of meeting with them was to get a feel of how we would communicate when we start rehearsing. The cast does not know ASL but we will have sign language interpreters on stage to ensure communication is there between us. The cast all have acting experience and I'm the new kid here. I have to say I'm honoured to be on the cast with these experience actors and actresses. I'm looking forward to see how the month goes for us. I'll likely be doing a daily post here to share my experience each night after rehearsing with the cast!