 | The Audio Description performance of "The Taming of the Shrew" will be on Saturday, April 5. The show, which runs through April 12, features Caesar Samayao (on floor) as Bianca and Ramon de Ocampo as Kate. |
This year, the Yale Repertory Theatre became the first performing arts institution in the state of Connecticut to offer Audio Description of its productions, a service designed to give blind and low-vision patrons full access to the live theater experience.
Audio Description is a prepared and rehearsed narration of the visual aspects of a production, presented live in a concise and timely manner in between the dialogue of a performance. This is transmitted via a state-of-the-art radio frequency system to the patrons, who wear special headsets. Audio Description is entirely self-contained and does not intrude on the rest of the audience's enjoyment of the production.
The Rep's first three shows of the 2002-2003 season featured an Audio Description performance prepared and presented by trained individuals associated with Cultural Access Consortium, a Massachusetts-based firm dedicated to equal access to the arts for all individuals. Recently, with help from the consortium, the Yale Rep trained 18 local community members to serve as audio describers. These individuals will also be a resource for other Connecticut theaters as they launch their own Audio Description programs.
In addition, the Yale Rep has obtained the equipment that will make it possible to offer audio descriptions at each of its three venues. The equipment, which is portable, can also be shared with other Connecticut theaters that want to implement the program in the future.
New Haven Savings Bank is the sponsor of the Yale Rep's Audio Description program during the 2002-2003 season. There will be an Audio Description performance for "The Taming of the Shrew" on Saturday, April 5, and for "The Black Monk" on Saturday, May 24. Pre-show descriptions for both performances will begin at 1:30 p.m.; performances begin at 2 p.m.
Patrons should mention they are interested in Audio Description when they place their order for their tickets to ensure the proper number of headsets will be available. Tickets for Audio Description and all other Rep performances are available by calling (203) 432-1234, visiting the Yale Rep box office at 1120 Chapel St. or online at www.yalerep.org.
T H I S
Yale Rep's Audio Description performances open window on theater experience for visually impaired
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