Accessibility Dates Announced for ROMEO & JULIET

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company (CSC) is pleased to continue its Common Access Initiative as part of its 22nd season of FREE SHAKESPEARE ON THE COMMON Romeo & Juliet runs July 19 - August 6 on the Boston Common. Since its founding in 1996, CSC has offered one American Sign Language performance each season.

Since 2015, due to generous support from the Liberty Mutual Foundation, the Company has had the opportunity to meaningfully expand its disability access programming and offerings. CSC is committed to keeping theatre accessible - financially, geographically, and artistically - as well as inclusive for patrons of all abilities. In recognition of these efforts, in January 2017, CSC was awarded a prestigious UP Designation as part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council UP Inclusive Design Initiative.

Open-captioning provided by c2 captioning service will be held on Thursdays, July 27 and August 3 at 8 pm. The audio-described performances with interpretation by Elizabeth Montigny and Jan Stankus will be held Sunday July 30 at 7 pm and Friday, August 4 at 8 pm. Headsets and Braille playbill will be made available for blind and low-vision patrons. Patrons are also encouraged to participate in a backstage tactile tour 90 minutes before curtain (space is limited; first-come, first served). The ASL-interpreted performances will be held Friday, July 28 at 8 pm and Saturday, July 29 at 8 pm (Rain date July 30). ASL Interpretation team includes Sabrina Dennison (ASL Coach), Alivia E. Cotton, Elizabeth Keegan, and Adriana Neefus (Interpreters). Raindate performances for the Audio-Described and ASL Interpreted performances are scheduled for Sunday August 6 at 7 pm.

In addition to the programming listed above, there will be many services available at all performances to enhance the patron experience. New ADA-compliant cable-guards have been purchased that will make all pathways easier to navigate for patrons using wheelchairs and walkers, and there will be several seating areas designated throughout the Common for patrons using wheelchairs and their companions. Finally, large print programs and assisted listening devices will be available for free at all performances.

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's Common Access Initiative is furthering CSC's mission by breaking down barriers to make theatre accessible to everyone. CSC gratefully acknowledges the Liberty Mutual Foundation for making the Common Access Initiative possible.

Sabrina Dennison (Director of Artistic Sign Language and ASL consultant)
Sabrina's professional acting experience continued via U.S. tour with the National Theater of the Deaf, when she took on the role of Greta in Ophelia. Sabrina continued her tour at elementary schools with the Little Theater of the Deaf. Sabrina completed ASL translation for Yale University's Twelfth Night. She took on the role of an ASL consultant in a variety of theatre settings, including, Broadway Across America, Boston University School of Theatre, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, SpeakEasy Stage Company, and the Boston Opera House, to name a few. Played major role in Aditi Brennan Kapil's production, Love Person, directed by Bevin O'Gara and was nominated by IRNE as best female actress for drama. In the most recent production, Sabrina was Director of Artistic Sign Language and ASL consultant for Craig Lucas' I Was Most Alive With You at The Huntington Theatre Company.

Alivia E. Cotton (ASL Interpreter)- Alivia has interpreted for Oakland School of the Arts 'RENT', PRIDE festival in San Francisco and Sacramento, Shakespeare in the Park! Commonwealth Shakespeare Company "A Midsummer Night's Dream" with Boston Landmarks Orchestra, the Huntington Theatre Company's world premiere of 'I Was Most Alive With You' and Broadway Across Americas' Matilda! Elizabeth Keegan (ASL Interpreter) Elizabeth's credits include productions with Wheelock Family Theatre, Central Square Theatre, and works yearly on the interpreting teams for the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival and The Clearwater Hudson River Music Revival. Elizabeth received her interpreter education from LaGuardia Community College and her actor training from the National Shakespeare Conservatory both in New York City.

Adrianna Neefus (ASL Interpreter)- Adrianna studied Sign Language Interpretation and Theater at the University of New Hampshire. Past credits include The King and I, Cabaret, Pippin, Once, Flashdance, and War Horse with The Boston Opera House, The Edge of Peace with Central Square Theater, Billy Elliot, Marry Poppins, A Year with Frog and Toad, Pinocchio, Pippi Longstocking, Anne of Green Gables, and Oliver! with Wheelock Family Theater. Adrianna has also interpreted with the Boston Landmark Orchestra's Summer Series on the Esplanade, Outside the Box Theater Festival, and Boston Pride.

Elizabeth Montigny (Primary Audio Describer)- Elizabeth's credits include secondary description for Huntington Theatre Company, A.R.T., and New Repertory Theatre. Elizabeth is also founder and performer for Marian Theatre Project and consultant for PUREhaven Essentials, you can learn more about her work at agoodremedy.com.

Jan Stankus (Secondary Audio Describer)- For 18 years, Jan has provided description for television shows and feature films. Among her many credits are Frontline, NOVA, Bones, Criminal Minds, NCIS, Arthur, and Masterpiece including Downtown Abbey and Sherlock. She also provides description for art exhibits, theme parks including Disney World and Disneyland, national parks, museums, walking tours, online courses, and more. She has presented live description for numerous theater productions at The American Repertory Theatre, as well as The Wang Center and The Huntington Theatre, and on board cruise ships. She also provided description for Love's Labour's Lost presented by Commonwealth Shakespeare Company in 2016 on the Boston Common.

www.commshakes.org.

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