Citizens Theatre Invests In Top Of The Range Audio Description System

The Citizens Theatre will celebrate its investment in a new range of high-tech audio description equipment, the result of support from the DM Thomas Foundation for Young People, by welcoming 20 visually impaired Glasgow school pupils from Uddingston Grammar to a performance of Cinderella on Thursday 7th December.

Audio description equipment supports people who are blind or partially sighted to access live performance. This new equipment acquired by the Citizens Theatre will allow groups of up to 45 people at a time to access audio described performances.

Previously the audio description system at the Citizens Theatre was limited to specific seats in the auditorium. After working with specialist Edinburgh firm Audio Access on a bespoke solution to meet the specific requirements of the Gorbals venue, patrons can now make use of the system from any seat in the theatre.

The upgrade will also provide 6 personal induction loop headsets, which will make it possible for the Citizens Theatre to offer an audio relay for those hard of hearing for any main stage performance, while opening up the facility for use in its Studio Theatre space and rehearsal rooms for the first time.

The mobility of the new kit will also allow it to be deployed when the Citizens Theatre mounts productions in other venues, including during the two year redevelopment project, when the Citizens Theatre will temporarily present work from Summer 2018 at Tramway.

Graham Sutherland, Head of Production at the Citizens Theatre, said:

"Making our world-class productions accessible to everyone is a key priority for the Citizens Theatre. We're constantly looking for new ways to improve accessibility here at the Citz."

"The audio description equipment that we were using before had not been upgraded for several years, so this is a major step forward and I'm confident patrons will notice a significant difference as a result of this change. These improvements will allow us to provide the same high quality experience to all of our patrons."

The new equipment was acquired with funding from an award made by the DM Thomas Foundation for Young People.

Simon Sheehan, Director of DM Thomas Foundation for Young People said:

"As a Foundation we are committed to opening access to opportunities for children and young people with disabilities. We are delighted to support visually impaired children and young people at local schools in Glasgow by providing a portable
audio description system for the theatre. This will help young people to take part in the theatre and the activities it offers."