Melissa Smith

Auslan interpreter and Communications Coordinator | Auslan Stage Left

Melissa Smith is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), an experienced Auslan interpreter and Communications Coordinator with Auslan Stage Left.

With a background in marketing, administration, and over twenty years of interpreting experience, Melissa has worked across a wide range of settings — from community and medical appointments to major theatre productions, live music, and large-scale platform events. Her career highlights include interpreting for Coldplay, Backstreet Boys, Rod Stewart, and Jimmy Barnes, as well as theatre productions such as Mamma Mia! The Musical and Picnic at Hanging Rock with the Sydney Theatre Company.

Having grown up with Deaf parents, Melissa’s lifelong connection to the Deaf community has profoundly shaped her values and career. She recalls taking her father to an interpreted performance of Tina Turner The Musical — a deeply emotional moment as Tina was one of his favourites.

“Words cannot explain how excited and proud I was to see Auslan Stage Left make this story come alive for my dad. It was quite an emotional experience for us to be able to see that show together — priceless.”

Melissa is also actively involved in assisting Deaf patrons with booking tickets for accessible performances, ensuring they are seated with a clear view of the interpreters and the stage. Through this work, she receives ongoing feedback from the Deaf community about the challenges they face when booking tickets and accessing arts events — insights that continue to drive her advocacy for better systems and inclusion within the industry.

Through her personal and professional experiences, Melissa has witnessed how limited access can affect Deaf people’s opportunities to experience the arts. She is passionately committed to inclusivity, accessibility, and awareness, and is proud to work alongside talented Auslan interpreters and Deaf consultants to bring more immersive and accessible arts experiences to Deaf audiences across Australia.