The Audio-Reader Network provides trained Audio Describers for live events in Kansas City, Lawrence and Topeka. The service is utilized primarily by people with vision loss, however, it can also be helpful for people with cognitive or learning disabilities, English language-learners, and people on the autism spectrum. Audio Description has also been shown to help with language development and active listening skills in children!

What is Audio Description?

From American Council of the Blind:

Audio Description involves the accessibility of the visual images of theater, television, movies, and other art forms for people who are blind, have low vision, or who are otherwise visually impaired.  It is a narration service (provided at no additional charge to the patron) that attempts to describe what the sighted person takes for granted -- those images that a person who is blind or visually impaired formerly could only experience through the whispered asides from a sighted companion.

In theaters, in museums, and accompanying television, film, and video presentations, Audio Description is commentary and narration which guides the listener through the presentation with concise, objective descriptions of new scenes, settings, costumes, body language, and "sight gags," all slipped in between portions of dialogue or songs. 

How Does It Work?

Patrons check out a pair of headphones on the way into the theater, and the Audio Describer broadcasts directly to the headphones. Before the show, the program is read and theater layout (including aisles, bathrooms, and exits) is described. During the performance, the describer will describe sets, costumes, gestures, facial expressions, stage action and other visual elements, without speaking over the actors.

 

Upcoming Performances:

 

Theatre Lawrence

4660 Bauer Farm Drive, Lawrence, KS

Tickets: (785) 843-7469 or www.theatrelawrence.com.

Audio Description is available for the following performances. Additional performances are available by request.

• A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder: Saturday, September 28 (7:30 p.m.), and Sunday, September 29, 2019 (2:30 p.m.)

Patrons can access Audio Description by picking up a listening device from our volunteers, located across from the box office. Additional performances available upon request.

 

The Lied Center

1600 Stewart Drive, Lawrence, KS

Tickets: (785) 864-2787 or www.lied.ku.edu.

• Rent: Sunday October 6th, 2019 (7:30pm)
• Jersey Boys: Saturday November 2nd, 2019 (7:30pm)
• The Color Purple: Thursday, January 23rd, 2020 (7:30pm)
• Beautiful: The Carole King Musical: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 (7:30pm)

When available, patrons can access Audio Description by picking up a headset from the patron services desk.

Performances at Crafton-Preyer Theatre on the KU campus, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Yardley Hall/Polsky Theatre on the Johnson County Community College campus and Topeka Civic Theatre and Academy and other venues are available upon request.

 

Starlight Theater

4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO

Tickets: (816) 363-7827 or www.kcstarlight.com.

Audio Description is available for the following performances. Additional performances are available by request. Call Starlight Theatre at (816) 363-7827 to purchase tickets and make your request.

• Cirque Dreams: Jungle Fantasy: Saturday, September 7th (8:00pm)
• Hello Dolly: Saturday, September 28th (8:00pm)

Listening devices for these performances will be available for checkout at Audio-Reader's table

 

University Theatre (KU-- Crafton-Preyer)

1530 Naismith Drive, Lawrence, KS

Tickets: (785) 864-3982 or

 To request Audio Description call the box office

 

Kansas City Repertory Theatre

Spencer Theatre, 4949 Cherry Street, Kansas City, MO 64110

Tickets: (816) 235-2700 or www.kcrep.org.

Audio Description at Kansas City Repertory Theatre is available by request.  Call the Box Office at (816) 235-2700 for tickets and to request audio description. When available, patrons can access Audio Description by picking up a listening device from the souvenir sales stand to the west of door 1.

 

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

1601 Broadway Boulevard, Kansas City, MO

Tickets: (816) 994-7200 or www.kauffmancenter.org.

Audio Description at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is available by request.  Call the Box Office at (816) 994-7200 for tickets and to request audio description. 

 

Yardley Hall

12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS

Tickets: (913) 469-4445 or http://www.jccc.edu/performing-arts-series/venue/yardley-hall.html

Audio Description is available by request.

 

Dole Institute of Politics

2350 Petefish Drive, Lawrence, KS 66045

Select exhibits at the Dole Institute of Politics have audio description available. Patrons can access description by using a QR code reader downloaded to their smart phone.

Current Exhibit(s):

• The League of Wives: Vietnam's POW/MIA Allies & Advocates Traveling Exhibit: On display at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum through December 2018; Audio Description available on-site.
• Legacies of '76 (Audio Description available on-site.)

Past Exhibits:

• Celebrating Opportunity for People with Disabilities: 70 Years of Dole Leadership
• The League of Wives: Vietnam's POW/MIA Allies & Advocates

 

Educational Needs

Audio Description can be utilized for students who need access to the visual elements of classroom videos, blended learning videos, and other learning elements. For more information, call 785-864-4600.

 

Business Needs

Audio-Reader can help your business improve the accessibility of videos used on your website, in social media posts, and for training. For more information, call 785-864-4600.

 

Become an Audio Describer!

If you would like to be contacted about future training sessions, email reader@ku.edu.

 

Learn More about Audio Description!

Audio-Reader would be happy to do an audio description demonstration for your group. Email reader@ku.edu to schedule.