Audio-Reader celebrates accessible theatre experiences with Audio Description Open House


LAWRENCE — Audio-Reader Network, an audio information service for blind, visually impaired and print-disabled individuals, is hosting an Audio Description Open House, where attendees can learn more about Audio-Reader's work, meet volunteers and patrons, and enjoy refreshments before attending the audio-described performance of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" in the Lied Center auditorium.

The open house will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 11 in the Seymour Gallery of the Lied Center of Kansas.

Audio-Reader has been providing access to arts and cultural events for people with disabilities since 1995, providing live audio description at theaters throughout the region, including the Lied Center, Theatre Lawrence and Starlight Theatre. Description is heard through headsets available for checkout in the lobby. The trained volunteers describe the visual action on stage, in between breaks in the dialogue. This allows audio description users to experience all aspects of the show. Audio description is available free of charge to theatergoers.

“We are proud to partner with the Lied Center on such a popular holiday show," says Lori Kesinger, outreach coordinator at Audio-Reader. "Our goal is to bring audio description to a wider audience to help make theatre, arts and culture more accessible to everyone.” 

A limited number of discounted tickets for the performance of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" are available. An audio description demonstration will take place during the open house, and headsets will be available for checkout in the Seymour Gallery prior to the show.

Contact Lied Center at 785-864-2787 for tickets or Audio-Reader at 785-864-4600 for more information.

More about Audio Description

Audio Description aims to bring more meaning and enjoyment to entertainment, cultural and educational experiences for blind and visually impaired people. The key is making visual imagery accessible. It’s used to enhance movies, television, media, theater and other live performances/events, museums, national parks, meetings and educational programming. These visual elements can include action, costumes, settings, facial gestures, facial expressions and other visually important images.

The service is utilized primarily by people with vision loss; however, it can also be helpful for people with cognitive or learning disabilities, English language-learners and people on the autism spectrum. Audio Description has also been shown to help with language development and active listening skills in children!

More information is online.

 

Thu, 12/05/2019

author

Nick Carswell

Media Contacts

Nick Carswell

Kansas Audio-Reader

785-864-2686