Audio description in the theatre
What is audio description?
The
New Victoria Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme is offering a new service to help visually impaired people enjoy live performances
at the New Vic. Audio description is a verbal commentary that tells blind and partially sighted theatre-goers what is happening
on the stage during the parts of the performance where there is no dialogue (i.e. during fight scenes). The description does
not interfere with the performance but fills in the gaps, describing facial expressions, costume, scenery and action sequences
so that anyone with a sight problem can follow the plot fully and independently. Many blind and partially sighted theatre-goers
are enthusiastic about audio description:
‘For
me, every word of commentary was a bonus.’
‘After
a while I don’t even hear what the describer is saying, I just see the pictures being painted.’
‘I
could see the play for myself.’
How does audio description
work?
The
trained describer sits in a soundproof booth in the theatre and explains what is happening on the stage. The describer has
seen the performance many times before and is well prepared to describe the performance. Theatre-goers are equipped with a
headset before the performance and the description is relayed from the soundproof booth to the headset via an infrared or
radio sound system.
Making arrangements
with the theatre
It’s
always a good idea to explain your requirements when booking tickets for any performance. If you want to receive the audio
description, reserve a headset or from the theatre box office. This guarantees that one will be available for you when you
arrive for the performance.
If
you are a guide dog owner, the New Vic will either allow guide dogs into the auditorium or make arrangements for staff to
look after them. The New Vic plans to hold touch tours before the performance, where blind and partially sighted people can
explore the scenery and costumes.
Information
on cassette about the theatre and the performance will be sent to people who have booked tickets for an audio described performance,
about a week before the show.
Box Office: 01782 717962.
