THEATRE FOR ALL – A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE FOR THOSE WHO ARE VISION IMPAIRED
FRIENDS OF THE DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE AUDIO DESCRIPTION SERVICE
The Devonshire Park Theatre is a space which provides a wonderful theatrical experience for everyone who enters, regardless of age or physical ability the theatre is a perfect chance to escape the everyday.
The hardworking Friends of the Devonshire Park Theatre Audio Description team offer a unique experience for those who are vision impaired, to maximise theatre enjoyment and to feel confident and safe in the venue. The friends have been tirelessly providing this service at professional week-long productions for over 30 years, since 1994.
Shows with audio described performances this season include; Alan Ayckbourn comedy drama Just Between Ourselves (11-15 March), family adventure Robin Hood (8 – 13 April), powerful drama Spitfire Girls (15 – 19 April) based on a true story and classic literary tale Little Women (22 – 26 April). The audio description service is usually available for Friday evening and Saturday afternoon performances of productions which have 5 or more performance days.
The dedicated Audio Describers cater for those audience members who find themselves at a visual disadvantage to other theatre goers so they can still enjoy a fully rounded theatrical experience without missing a single thing. The team provide live verbal commentary detailing the visual elements of a production as it unfolds, describing action that is essential to the story and other visual information; style and design of a production, facial expressions and visual jokes that a blind or partially sighted member of the audience might miss, as well as warnings of loud noises. All done without talking over the actors or critically, without revealing the plot!
The audio description team consist of volunteer Describers who relay the on-stage action and provide additional useful information transmitted to listeners via headsets; and Supporters who are present within the auditorium to ensure the users of the audio description headsets are comfortable and confident with the technology.
Describers receive considerable in-house training from an RNIB trained describer. It is a huge undertaking to describe a performance; the Describer will have watched the show at least three times before they perform live at the Friday evening and Saturday matinee.
The Devonshire Park Theatre is constrained by its heritage to some extent, but this is always being assessed with options to improve the space currently in planning stages. Disabled access to the stalls is available and in addition the theatre offers a range of facilities including; Infrared and Loop Hearing System for those in the audience who need a bit more amplification, disabled parking bays directly outside the theatre and a ramp to the theatre foyer. Orientation tours are available, guide dogs are welcomed and in addition to audio described performances, theatre brochures are also available in audio format from the box office (01323 412000).
To find out more about The Friends of the Devonshire Park Theatre, or about audio description services see www.fodpt.org.uk and www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk. ENDS