Live Theater Terp Dies

A sign-language interpreter who worked hundreds of theater productions, including many on Broadway has died. Alan Champion was 55. He passed away in Romona, Oklahoma, near his hometown, after undergoing treatment for appendix cancer which was diagnosed in 2009. Champion was a CODA (Child of a Deaf Adult), both his parents were deaf. He performed on stage as well as interpreted. He was part of a group that interpreted the first Broadway show in 1980 shortly after his move to New York. The show was The Elephant Man starring David Bowie. There is a video about interpreting for the stage featuring Champion here.