Bums on seats isn’t just the be-all and end-all for theatre success.
Digital versions of theatre plays are finding new audiences and creating unique accessibility options for people with blindness or low vision.
Melbourne Theatre Company’s (MTC) new Shakespeare production, As You Like It, has been audio described by Vision Australia’s Audio Description Service.
Vision Australia manager of audio description services Michael Ward says the AD production was an exciting opportunity to showcase the expertly crafted AD that we usually deliver in a live setting, on an online platform.
“The settings, characters and visual gestures such as facial expressions and body language that is not apparent within the dialogue is all contained within the AD, seamlessly woven between the dialogue, so blind and low vision patrons can enjoy the sheer depth and joy of this play” Michael said.
The play also includes music by Melbourne singer Kate Miller-Heidke, which is given the space it needs as the AD pulls back.
Photo: A scene out of the MTC's As You LIke It.
The performances are filmed live in front of an audience, and then made available online for a limited season to anyone in Australia for a rental fee of $25.
With regular production cancellations after numerous lockdowns, and people having to isolate after COVID exposures, the download and watch at home aspect has proven popular.
“Audio description plays an important role in immersing someone who is blind or has low vision in a production, whether it is live or pre-recorded,” Michael said.
“This time we wanted to make sure that the AD worked with the comedic timing of the play, so the AD listener could laugh along with the audience at the same time, and not be delayed waiting on descriptions.”
You can access the Audio Description of MTC plays via their online ticketing, and AD can be turned on like captions.
You can also download pre-show notes which contain many of the set designs and characters’ costumes.
If you would like to add AD to your content, get in contact with Vision Australia’s AD department by calling 1300 84 74 66.
For more information, visit the Vision Australia audio description page.