Audio Described 'Tempest' - A Triumph

Vision's donation funded audio description which is a live commentary describing visual aspects of a production, for a blind and visually impaired audience members. It was for the Unicorn Theatre who put on a fantastic performance of The Tempest.

The children were sent an introduction CD in advance . Then on the day before the performance the children sat in the theatre and had the set and props described to them. They got to hold the props and feel some of the costumes. Then they met the cast who described the characters and they demonstrated what voices they would use for each of their characaters. The cast described the costumes and how they would work during the performance. Then the children were invited on the stage and tought the body language that the cast would use to build their characters and finally they got to dance with the cast. This touch tour of the set, costumes and props was provided free of charge and was fascintated to the sighted audience as well as those for which it was intended.

Then they returned to the theatre for the actual performance where they were given headphones through which heard description of actions and expression that were instrumental to the plot. It was a highly entertaining and wonderful performance.

Kate Hladky, Development & Access Manager of the Unicorn Theatre wrote
"I’ve just had a phone call from a teacher from Joseph Clarke School for the Visually Impaired, to say how much the group enjoyed themselves and that the students have been discussing it at length since. As I’m sure you appreciate, the cost of providing the introduction CD, touch tour and live description are never going to be covered by the box office income from those taking part – so the support from the Vision Charity really is so invaluable."

Congratulation to the Unicorn Theatre for an inspirational experience for all who were privilaged to enjoy it.