Nov 19, 2012
Rochester, NY – The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Rochester Broadway Theatre League have partnered to provide greater access to theatre goers who are blind or visually impaired by offering audio described shows for the 2012-2013 season.
“Audio description provides narrative information to enhance a performance for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. It is meant to add enjoyment and to assist in following the story line,” says Rene Latorre, Director of Advocacy and Consumer Affairs at the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI).
As part of every audio described show, ABVI prepares preshow notes that include descriptions of the characters, costumes and set. The preshow notes include information regarding special circumstances in the show such as the use of fog, fire or smoking. Patrons are also be made aware of the use of live animals. These notes will be read prior to the start of the show. Updated information may be read during intermission. However, audio description should not interrupt the performance by covering dialogue.
Audio description is available during the first Sunday matinee of each show during the 2012-2013 season. Patrons who are blind or visually impaired can listen through a headset as a trained describer provides the audio description for the performance. Headsets must be reserved in advance by phone at (585) 222-5000, by email at info@rbtl.org or in person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office.
The 2012-2013 schedule of audio described performances:
Memphis
Sunday, December 2, 2012
1:00 PM
The Addams Family
Sunday, February 10, 2013
1:00 PM
The Book of Mormon
Sunday, March 10, 2013
1:00 PM
Wicked
Sunday, April 7, 2013
1:00 PM
Les Miserables
Sunday, May 12, 2013
1:00 PM
Tickets for events at the Auditorium Theatre are available at the following points of purchase:
Auditorium Theatre Box Office
885 East Main Street
Rochester, NY 14605
Phone: (800) 745-3000
Online: www.ticketmaster.com or through any Ticketmaster Outlet