Audio Description Performance What is audio description? Audio
description is a verbal commentary that tells visually impaired
theatre-goers what is happening on the stage during the parts of
the performance where there is no dialogue (i.e. during fight
scenes). The description does not interfere with the performance
but fills in the gaps, describing facial expressions, costume,
scenery and action sequences so that anyone with a sight problem
can follow the plot fully and independently. Many visually
impaired theatre-goers are enthusiastic about audio description.
How does audio description work? The trained describer sits in a
soundproof booth or box in the theatre and explains what is
happening on the stage. Usually, the describer has seen the
performance three or four times before and is well prepared to
describe the performance. Visually impaired theatre-goers are
equipped with a headset or earpiece before the performance and
the description is relayed from the booth to the headset/ear-
piece via an infrar