FRIENDS OF THE DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE
AUDIO DESCRIPTION SERVICE FOR VISION IMPAIRED PEOPLE(VIPs)
From a young child’s first visit to a magical pantomime, the theatre holds a delight for so many of us. However, if you have limited sight, you may feel that the theatre is not for you.
Perhaps you cannot read the programme, see the colours of the costumes, or may be the stage is just a blur. If this is the case for you or someone you know, worry no more, because your enjoyment of a production at the Devonshire Park Theatre can still be as good as it is for a sighted person, by using our Audio Description Service.
The Audio Description Team consist of volunteer Describers and Supporters.
The Describers relay the on-stage action and provide additional useful information transmitted to listeners via a headset.
Fifteen minutes before the curtain goes up the Describer will begin their live verbal description which will consist of a summary of what to expect as the production unfolds, descriptions of the sets, characters and costumes and sometimes vital information that the Describer will not be able to fit into the live commentary.
During the production the Describer will give their live verbal descriptionwhich will consist visual elements of a production as it unfolds, describing the action that is essential to the story and other visual information; the style and design of a production, facial expressions and visual jokes that a blind or partially sighted member of the audience may miss.
Warnings of loud noises or bangs e.g. gun fire, and flashing lights are given. Left and right for an audience facing the stage is always described as left and right.
During the performance, the Describer will try to cover anything that is not apparent from the dialogue, without talking over the actors. Wherever possible the stage dialogue will be allowed to speak for itself.
The plot is never revealed!
Supporters are present within the auditorium to ensure the VIP, and their sighted companion (if present) is comfortable and confident with the equipment. They meet the VIP in the foyer or stalls of the Devonshire Park Theatre and after making sure that the VIP is sitting comfortably, give them a receiver (lanyard) and headset and ensure that they know how it works.
All Supporters have attended a Vision Awareness Course certified by East Sussex Vision Support.
The receivers (lanyards) and sound boosts have recently been updated thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Devonshire Park Theatre at a cost of just under £14,000.
This service offers the VIP a unique opportunity to have an equal experience of the entertainment on offer, with inclusive theatre access supported by quality Audio Description to enhance their visit and enjoyment of the play.
The Audio Description Service is free to use.
The Audio Description Service is usually available for Friday evening and Saturday afternoon productions which have five or more performance days. A full list of performances at which the Audio Description Service is available can be found on the website of the Friends of the Devonshire Park Theatre. Go to www.fodpt.org.uk and use the Audio Description tab.
When the VIP arrives for the performance, they should ask for a member of the Audio Description Team who will assist them.
If a group booking is being made, it is helpful to know in advance so that the Audio Description Team can ensure there are sufficient headsets and Supporters present to help the VIPs get set up:
Contact: information@fodpt.org.uk
HOW TO BOOK:
Call the Box Office on 01323 412000 or visit the web site www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk.
When booking advise the Box Office that you are vision impaired and asyou wish to use the Audio Description Service could you have a seat towards the front of the stalls, which is the best reception point for the audio equipment.
A vision impaired person can join the Eastbourne Companion Scheme and the companion can then attend for free. For more details about the scheme contact the Box Office.
Assistance/working dogs are welcome and again tell the Box Office if they will attend with you.
ACCESSIBILITY IN AND AROUND THE DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE
There is a fully accessible entrance to the stalls on the right-hand side of the theatre building. The sloped roadway takes you to the accessible entrance.
Inside the theatre there are some steps down to access Rows A to E.
A Supporter will meet you in the theatre, show you to your seat and help you to use the headset and receiver.
There is easy access to the toilets at the rear of the Stalls.
For more information contact: chair@fodpt.org.uk or information@fodpt.org.uk