Audio Description
At the Morrison Center, our mission of inclusive engagement means we aim to provide every Idahoan with impactful performing arts experiences that inspire creativity and connection. Accessibility services are essential to realizing such community enrichment and lifetime memories. Terri Dillion – who also helped lead the implementation of audio description for the Boise State Theatre Arts Program’s productions in the spring of 2023 – discusses below how audio description in the Morrison Center space affects the arts experience of our patrons who are blind or visually impaired.
What is Audio Description?
From the American Council of the Blind (ACB): Audio description is a narration service for people who are blind, have low vision, or are otherwise visually impaired that describes important visual details (new scenes, settings, costumes, body language, etc.) between existing pauses in songs or dialogue. This makes the imagery of theater, television, movies, and other art forms more accessible, thereby bringing more meaning and enjoyment to these cultural experiences.
How does Audio Description Work at The Morrison Center?
Patrons interested in audio description for an event at the Morrison Center can contact the Box Office (208-426-1111). For Broadway shows, only Saturday matinees provide audio description at this time with no request needed from patrons. Audio description is available upon request for all other shows, though we do recommend the request comes at least two weeks in advance to adequately schedule. Late requests will be accommodated as best as possible, but the service is not guaranteed. Morrison Center events utilize live audio descriptors and offer various hearing assist options.
"I was very moved to be able to access the visual aspects of the set and props, as well as the moves and moods of the dancers, thanks to the eloquent descriptions that Terri provided. It was so good to be able to laugh, groan, and cheer with the rest of the audience, knowing what was going on. As I listened to the pre-show descriptions, I was creating an image in my mind of what was on stage, and then as the dancers appeared so, I filled in the picture."
Alison Steven
A Q&A with Terri Dillion:
For those who don’t know, what is Audio Description?
Audio Description (AD) for theater, dance, opera, etc. is a prepared and rehearsed script for narration of the visual aspects of a production. The describer narrates those visual elements which convey meaning or insight into the story line, characters' development, and the relationships among characters. In addition, any visual effects unique to the production are included. AD is conveyed through a microphone in an audio describer's booth and is transmitted to single ear headsets worn by audience members. (Single-ear so that through one ear the audience may hear the live performance sounds like music, actors, and audience; through the headset over their other ear they may hear the audio description.) I spend many, many hours writing and preparing an Audio Description script for a performance and then rehearsing to fine-tune the timing and the descriptive words and vocal qualities that will make that specific performance come to life. One of the best comments I received from an audience member was that they forgot I was talking to them during the play - they were just hearing and "seeing" everything as it happened. That is the goal!
How important is a service like Audio Description for patrons who have visual impairments?
A well-prepared and presented description links the blind, low vision, and cognitively impaired audience to the sighted audience in a fully accessible shared event. But the real importance is the experience of the audience.
How did you get involved with Audio Description?
In the summer of 2022, Open Arms Dance Project (a dance company with a range of neuro and physical diversity) asked me to Audio Describe their performance at the Morrison Center. I have a background in theater, writing, and voice-over, so they felt I had a unique skill set that could meet their need. When Open Arms called, I didn't know much about [Audio Description]. I quickly performed extensive research about AD best practices, which included accessing the American Council for the Blind Audio Description Project. Through them, I discovered that no live audio description for theater or dance was being presented anywhere in the state of Idaho. I felt that was completely unacceptable. The performing arts are too important to miss out on - plus missing out on the opportunity to attend with friends, blind and sighted. So, I began to study, take classes from amazing audio describers all over the world, participate in the American Council for the Blind Audio Description Institute training, and connect with the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. And the training never stops. It truly requires ongoing education and skill building - I am learning all the time from very experienced audio describers AND from the terrific Treasure Valley audience members who are quickly becoming dedicated audio description users. Their insights are the most valuable!
Is Audio Description a rare service, or how can more organizations utilize it?
More and more movies and television programs include the option for recorded Audio Description, and in other states, AD is provided for many cultural events. But in Idaho, it is just beginning. The audience is growing! It is important for this to grow and enable people who are blind to have all the cultural options fully sighted people have. The Morrison Center has made a big commitment to making this happen, including investment in first-class technology so that the audio quality through the headsets is great and supports the extensive script preparation and rehearsal required! This has allowed a wonderful first full season of performances that feature Audio Description. After the success of the AD provided for The Nutcracker, the Ballet wants AD for their next ballet at the Morrison Center. This summer, the Idaho Shakespeare Festival will offer Audio Description for selected performances of each production. If an organization is interested, they may contact me directly: tadillion412@gmail.com.