INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO: Audio Description/Sensory Seminars
Blind or low vision people may enjoy performing arts, visual arts, television, video, and film that offers live commentary or narration (via headphones and a small transmitter) of visual elements provided by a trained Audio Describer.
Audio Description for the theatre is a live concise description of the action taking place onstage in between dialogue and song. The description is provided by a trained audio describer who is watching the performance offstage.
Audio Description for museums, galleries and historic sites consists of either a live or pre-recorded description of sample pieces of exhibitions and installations.
Audio Description for film and television are pre-recorded and follow the same guidelins as description for the theatre.
Sensory Seminars for the theatre occur prior to the performance. Trained volunteers or staff pass around props and costumes to give patrons an opportunity to experience these elements of the production. When appropriate, patrons can walk onstage to gain a better understanding of the spatial elements of the set.
Janet Dickson and Michael Dundon present examples of Sensory Seminars and Audio Description.