An initiative designed to allow partially sighted theatre-lovers access to the city’s most prestigious theatre has proved so successful that organisers are now on the lookout for extra describers to meet demand.
Aberdeen Performing Arts has run a hugely successful audio describing service since 2000 made up of a dedicated team of trained describers, who attend a wide range of shows at His Majesty’s Theatre and are able to watch, listen, summarise and clearly communicate what is seen on stage.
This free service offers people with sight loss a wide selection of Saturday matinee performances with audio description. In this way, people with sight loss can fully enjoy live shows without missing out on the action.
Those interested in becoming an audio describer will be given free training and support from Aberdeen performing Arts, and applicants must be aged 18 or over.
Aberdeen Performing Arts chief executive, Jane Spiers, said: “This is a vital service for many theatre-goers in the city, and this initiative clearly demonstrates our commitment to making the arts accessible to as many people as possible. It’s something we are very passionate about at Aberdeen Performing Arts, and we are looking for people who share that passion to come along and find out a bit more about doing something that ultimately provides a fantastic service to the community.”
An information session will be held at His Majesty’s Theatre on Wednesday, March 4 at 2pm.
Ms Spiers added: “Come along and learn more about the service and meet some of our team who will be happy to demonstrate what’s involved and answer any of your questions over refreshments.”
For more information email lynn.hackett@aberdeenperformingarts.com
His Majesty’s Theatre