Enjoying Theater and Film

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Audio Described Theater Performances

A number of theaters offer Audio Described Performances, during which patrons can obtain stereo headsets to hear verbal descriptions of stage activities. These are often available for operas, plays, concerts, and political events. Call ahead to see if this is service is available at your theater and performance. Due to the increasing popularity of audio description, reservations may be necessary.

Nikki Llewellyn, COMS, is an Orientation and Mobility instructor at the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired-Goodwill Industries of Greater Rochester, Inc. and a nationally certified audio describer. Nikki, who does audio description for national touring Broadway shows that come to the Rochester Auditorium Theatre, explains the process of audio description for theatergoers who are blind or have low vision:

an audio description receiver, which looks like a headset with a dial in the middle

“Audio description is a wonderful benefit for individuals who are blind or have low vision. For the regional theater and national Broadway tours, I sit in an isolated sound booth where I can see the performance. I have headphones for the stage sound, as well as for my microphone.

“Theatergoers who are blind or have low vision have small receivers and an ear cup with a directional microphone to hear both the stage and my description. The receivers have control over the volume, and they can turn me off if they desire.

I describe the actors, costumes, and scenery before start of the show and again during the show. Then I add necessary action descriptions during the show to allow the patron who is blind or low vision to follow the action that is critical to the storyline. This has to be written ahead and timed so I don’t step on any dialogue.

I usually see a show three to four times before doing the audio-described performance. I also work with a consultant who is blind and views the show once or as a rehearsal to critique my performance and offer suggestions.

Only one performance of each show’s run is usually audio-described. It’s frustrating when I see individuals who are blind or have low vision at performances that aren’t audio described. Sometimes it’s a matter of not knowing that the audio description is available on another date. Other times, it’s just that the person has transportation available for that particular performance, not for the audio-described one.”

Preview Sessions

Some theaters offer special preview sessions for patrons who are blind or have low vision. During these sessions, staff meet with patrons before the performance and describe the plot and the stage activities that will take place throughout the performance. Ask if your theater offers this service.

Low Vision Devices

Talk with your eye doctor about low-vision optical devices that might help viewing some stage performances. Helpful low-vision devices can include small hand-held magnifiers and/or magnifiers with built-in lights (to help with reading the program), small hand-held telescopes for spot viewing, spectacle-mounted telescopes, bioptic telescopes, or frame-mounted binoculars.

Large Print Programs

More theater and cultural events now provide large print programs and materials. Some may also be available in braille. Ask if your theater provides this service.

Familiarize Yourself with the Story

If you know someone who has seen the performance, ask for an overview of the plot before you go. If the performance is based on a specific book or poem, consider reading it before you attend.

Audio Described Movies and Video

Audio description is additional narration that provides important visual elements of a film or television show as they happen. Increasing numbers of movie theaters and cineplexes are offering movies with audio description and closed captioning.

MoPix® Motion Picture Access, developed by the Media Access Group at WGBH, makes theaters accessible to audiences with disabilities, including blindness and low vision. The MoPix® website provides current information about audio-described films in movie theaters nationwide.

Many DVDs also come with audio descriptions. The Media Access Group at WGBH provides links to described movies available from Amazon.com and described PBS programs available from Amazon.com.

You can also check with your local library or State Library for the Blind. Both may offer several audio-described movies free for lending.

Resources for Descriptive Narration

Other useful resources concerning audio description and theater and movie adaptations include:

National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM): NCAM’s mission is to expand access to present and future media for people with disabilities; to explore how existing access technologies may benefit other populations; to represent its constituents in industry, policy and legislative circles; and to provide access to educational and media technologies for special needs students.
Blindside Reviews by Jay Forry, a blind movie critic whose reviews are featured in media outlets across the United States
Movies for the Blind: A podcast of public-domain films with added audio description.
Theater Breaking Through Barriers (formerly Theater By the Blind): A theater company composed of both blind/low vision and sighted theatre professionals.