Audio Description Service – ‘Where the visual becomes the verbal’
AEG Ogden (Perth) Pty Ltd, venue managers for the Perth Theatre Trust venues have introduced a new Audio Description Service that captures the visual elements of theatre performances by describing the ‘unheard’ aspects that are essential to understanding a story line. This service brings entertainment to life for people who are blind or vision impaired whilst being unobtrusive to the user. Users of the service are given a small earpiece and receiver into which they hear a volunteer describe aspects of the set, costumes and action. The service commences 10 minutes prior to the start of the performance so that the set and other elements can be described or sections of the programme can be read to the patron.
Tactile tours may also be provided as part of the service. The purpose of the tour is to give patrons an understanding of the costumes and stage set. Patrons will be escorted onto the set so that they get an idea of the dimensions and will be able to touch the props being used on stage, and where the entrances and exits are so they know where characters enter. Patrons will also be able to handle the costumes being worn by the actors.
Perth Theatre Trust venues at which audio description is currently available are His Majesty’s Theatre, Playhouse Theatre and Subiaco Arts Centre.
Tickets for audio described performances are available through BOCS Ticketing on 9484 1133. It is essential patrons advise the booking agent that the audio described service will be required at time of booking. Groups may also contact Christine Burns or Elizabeth Hollywood on 9238 9554 or at groups@bocsticketing.com.au Tickets for the service can be purchased up to five working days prior to the performance, after which audio described seats which have not been sold will be released to the general public. Patrons are requested to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the performance in order to collect their equipment and be comfortably seated until the audio description commences.
The following performances will be Audio Described:
Saturday 12 June 2010 at 2.15pm. Tactile tour to be confirmed.
Thursday 24 June 2010 at 7.30pm. No tactile tour for this performance.
Saturday 3 July 2010 at 2.15pm. Tactile tour to be confirmed.
Saturday 7 August 2010 at 2.15pm. Tactile tour to be confirmed.
Saturday 4 September 2010 at 2.15pm. Tactile tour to be confirmed.
Saturday 6 November 2010 at 2.15pm. Tactile tour to be confirmed.
Further shows are scheduled for 2010, check with BOCS ticketing or contact us on the details below to add your name to our database to receive updates on the service.
For further information regarding the Audio Description Service, or to add your name to our database to receive show updates please contact Alice Jorgensen on 08 9265 0934 or email ad@aegogdenperth.com.au
His Majesty's Theatre and Subiaco Arts Centre both have induction loops for audio impaired patrons. Patrons with hearing aids need to switch their aids to their "T" switch to use this service. At His Majesty's it is recommended that you sit in the stalls between A and N rows for the best reception. At the Subiaco Arts Centre there are several different reception areas so please contact them on 9380 3000 for the best seats. The Playhouse Theatre has an infra red hearing system. The system has two types of receiver, an ‘in ear’ headset for patrons without hearing aids and an ‘over ear actuator’ for patrons with hearing aids with a telecoil ("T") switch. There is no need for patrons to pre-book, simply ask a front of house staff member on the day, but please arrive early to ensure there is enough time to set the patron up with the equipment. There is no restriction on where patrons can sit in the auditorium.