Upcoming Audio Description Events
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!
Upcoming Performances:
Starlight Theater
Summer Broadway Series for 2023
Description available at the following showings:
- Saturday, May 20 - Tootsie
- Saturday, June 24 - Jesus Christ Superstar
- Saturday, July 8 - Legally Blonde The Musical
- Saturday, July 22 - Rain
- Saturday, July 29 - 1776
- Saturday, August 5 - Jagged Little Pill
- Saturday, September 2 - Come From Away
Listening devices for described performances will be available for checkout at Audio-Reader's table located at Terrace 2
Location information: 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO
Tickets: 816-363-7827 or visit their website.
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Special Event with Live Audio Description - Sunday, May 21, 3:00pm: The Princess Bride with Live Musical Score
Learn more and get tickets at the Kauffman Center's Website or call the box office at tel:8169947222.
Theatre Lawrence
Description available at the following showings:
- Friday, June 16, 2023 Something Rotten!
Location information: 4660 Bauer Farm Drive, Lawrence, KS
Tickets: 785-843-7469 or visit their website.
Contact Theatre Lawrence to request additional dates.
Special Event
Saturday, July 1 - Body and Soul [8pm-10pm] part of the Lawrence Free State Festival. A silent film with a live score presented by DJ Spooky.
Tickets and more information at https://freestatefestival.org/event/body-and-soul/
KCRep Theater
Description will be available for the 2023-2024 season. More details will be posted soon!
Location information: Spencer Theater - 4949 Cherry St, Kansas City, MO 64110
Tickets: +18162352700 or https://kcrep.org/.
The Lied Center
Audio Description is available upon request. Request description when purchasing your tickets.
Location information: 1600 Stewart Drive, Lawrence, KS
Tickets: 785-864-2787 or visit their website.
Museum Description
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.
The most recent exhibit ended in January 2023.
Visit their events page at https://doleinstitute.org/museum/tours-activities/ to schedule a tour. Virtual tours may also be available.
What is Audio Description?
From American Council of the Blind:
Audio Description aims to bring more meaning and enjoyment to entertainment, cultural, and educational experiences for blind and visually impaired people. The key is making visual imagery accessible. It’s used to enhance movies, television, media, theater and other live performances/events, museums, national parks, meetings, and educational programming. These visual elements can include action, costumes, settings, facial gestures ,facial expressions and other visually important images.
Learn more on our Audio Description About Page.