Welcome to the PI Academy
Training & Development for Professional Interpreters & Deaf Performers
At Performance Interpreting, we know that working in live performance environments demands more than just skill — it takes adaptability, artistry, cultural intelligence, and community.The PI Training Academy exists to support interpreters at every stage of their journey, from aspiring trainees to experienced professionals wanting to expand their horizons into new performance domains. Whether you're looking to refine your practice in music, theatre, football, drag, or beyond — this is your training home.Grow your skills. Get expert guidance.
Explore our courses, join our song clubs or connect with an experienced mentor.
We believe learning doesn’t stop when a course ends — real growth comes from experience, insight, and connection.That’s why we’re introducing our Mentorship Programme, giving you the opportunity to connect directly with some of the most experienced professionals in the Performance Interpreting world. These are the experts who’ve been with us for years, navigating the fast-paced, high-pressure world of live events, entertainment, and performance interpreting.
Our Courses
Available Now
Coming Soon
Looking for something not listed?
If there's a specific area of training you're interested in that isn't currently offered, we’d love to hear from you – your suggestion could shape a future workshop.
Interested in local training?
If you'd like to see this workshop delivered in your area, we’re happy to travel – sessions can be arranged where there’s sufficient interest. Please get in touch to discuss possibilities.
Something you'd like to ask? Let’s chat.
If you have a question about one of our courses, need help choosing the right training, or want to discuss tailored support, we’re here to help.Fill in our quick contact form — someone from the team will be in touch.
Performance Interpreting (PI) is a trusted leader in the world of BSL access and interpreter training. As proud Signature Hall of Fame inductees, we’ve been recognised nationally for our pioneering work in shaping what is now a thriving industry — one that puts Deaf audiences, interpreters, and artistic excellence at its heart.Founded with a vision of inclusion, creativity, and professionalism, PI has provided access at the UK’s biggest festivals, most iconic tours, and landmark cultural moments. Through our training arm — PI Academy — we’re now passing that experience on to the next generation of interpreters.Our promise?
To support, elevate, and empower interpreters to deliver access that’s more than functional — it’s phenomenal.Whether you’re just starting your journey or deepening your practice, you can trust that every PI Academy course is built on the same foundation:
Excellence. Integrity. Access for all.
Get In Touch
If you have a question about one of our courses, need help choosing the right training, or want to discuss tailored support, we’re here to help.Fill in our quick contact form — someone from the team will be in touch.
PI Academy Privacy Policy
Last updated: 01/06/2025At PI Academy (part of Performance Interpreting Ltd), we are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data with care and transparency.1. What information we collect
When you sign up for a course, join a waitlist, or contact us, we may collect:Your name
Your email address
Your course preferences
Any access needs or information you voluntarily provide2. How we use your information
We use this data to:Confirm your bookings and send event details
Notify you if a waitlist place becomes available
Respond to your messages or questions
Share updates about relevant future training (if you've opted in)We do not sell or share your personal data with third parties.3. Your rights under GDPR
You have the right to:Access the data we hold about you
Request that we correct or delete your data
Withdraw your consent at any time4. How we store your data
All personal data is stored securely using password-protected tools and services. Only authorised members of our team have access to this information.We retain your data for up to 12 months after a course unless you’ve requested to stay informed about future training.5. Contact us
To access, update, or delete your personal data, please fill out our contact form.
We aim to respond to all data-related requests within 30 days, in line with GDPR guidelines.If you’re having any issues or need urgent assistance, you can also email us via the form.
Mentorship Designed for
Performance Interpreters
One-to-one guidance. Practical skills. Support that adapts to you.
Mentorship at PI Training Academy gives you access to experienced performance interpreters who know the demands of the stage and the industry. These aren’t general conversations — they’re focused, practical sessions built around your goals, whether that’s preparing for a specific project, sharpening your style, or building long-term confidence.Mentoring is optional, but we recommend it for interpreters at all stages. Skills and creativity keep evolving — and so should you.
What you can expect✔️ A mentor chosen for their specialist experience in areas like music, theatre, movement, or emotional expression✔️ Honest, constructive feedback on your work✔️ Support shaped around your goals, challenges, and preferred genres✔️ A safe space to develop confidence and experiment with new approaches
How it works-> Initial call/session: explore your goals, genre preferences, strengths, and challenges-> Flexible format: remote or in-person, using discussion, video feedback, or live observation-> Tailored focus: one-off sessions for a project, or ongoing mentoring for deeper development-> Fees: set by each mentor, typically within the supervision range (£45–£60 per session)*Mentoring is independent of PI and does not guarantee work — but the skills you gain will strengthen your freelance practice across any setting.
Linking to PathwaysSome interpreters may also be invited to mentoring as part of our Personalised Pathways programme, which identifies specific areas for growth and provides structured routes forward.
Explore our mentors below and find the guidance that fits your journey.
Our Mentors
Vicky Pannell
Theatre | Live Music | Festivals | Reflective Practice
Karen Ward-Welch
Festivals | Live Music | Theatre | Confidence & Creative Expression
Paula Cox
Festivals | Live Music | Tour Work | Musicality & Stage Confidence
Interpreter Song Club
A free space for interpreters to practice, experiment, and build confidence with song interpretation.
Think of it as a book club—but for songs! Interpreter Song Club is a fun and supportive space where interpreters come together to workshop lyrics, share techniques, and try out different approaches to song interpretation. Whether you’re new to it or already experienced, the focus is on experimenting, learning, and growing confidence.
How It Works🎶 Step 1 — Bring a song
Come with a track you’d like to work on. Songs are put into a random generator to keep things fair and fun.💬 Step 2 — Collaborate
Once a song is chosen, your group spends the month bouncing ideas around in a WhatsApp chat — sharing translations, discussing strategies, and experimenting with approaches.🎤 Step 3 — Deep dive on Zoom
Your facilitator leads two focused Zoom sessions where you workshop the song, explore performance strategies, and get constructive feedback in a safe space.
Free, but limited to 7 spaces per group. First come, first served!
Why Join?- Build confidence interpreting songs.- Get practical feedback from peers and facilitators.- Try out new ideas in a supportive, no-pressure environment.- Connect with other interpreters who love music.
If you are not one of the first 7 to respond, you will be added to the Waitlist and will be the first to receive notifications if there is a cancellation, or when the winter Interpreter Song Club Sessions are released.
