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 Events/Performances:
Theatre Lawrence
Chicken and Biscuits
- 7:30pm, Friday March 14
- Comedy. Can rivaling sisters Baneatta and Beverly bury their father without killing each other? Family secrets are revealed, relationships exposed, and the tea is spilled in this fresh-off Broadway comedy.
Clue: On Stage
- 7:30pm, Friday May 2
Jimmy Buffett's Escape to Margaritaville
- 7:30pm, Friday June 13
Learn more about each show on their site - theatrelawrence.com/
Location information: 4660 Bauer Farm Drive, Lawrence, KS
Tickets: 785-843-7469 or visit their website.
Blue Springs City Theatre
Annie Jr.
- 7:30pm, Friday March 21 (described performance)
- Location: Blue Springs South High School, 1200 SE Adams Dairy Pkwy, Blue Springs, MO 64014, USA
The Coterie Theatre at Crown Center
Cinderella: A Salsa Fairytale
- Apr 11 (10:00am) and
- Apr 12 (10:30am)
A Year with Frog and Toad
- July 11 (11:00am) and
- July 12 (10:30am)
Location information: 2450 Grand Blvd, Suite 144; Kansas City, MO 64108-2520
Tickets: 816-474-6552 or visit their website.
Starlight Theater
2025 Summer Broadway Series - *coming in spring 2025*
Tickets Link
Learn about the new Listen Everywhere Tech program now being used by Starlight on the Listen Tech Training Manual Page (pdf).
- To obtain a device, visit the Guest Information Kiosk located near Box 5 and across from the Merchandise Kiosk and leave your driver’s license or ID with the Starlight staff. After the show, please return your device to receive your ID.
- Note: for the best listening experience, you must be connected to the Starlight Listen Everywhere Wi-Fi. No other internet functionality will be available on the device while using the app.
Location information: 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO
Tickets: 816-363-7827 or visit their website.
Night of the show contact - text 816-278-7827
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.
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
*Performances available By Request*
Contact their box office at 816-994-7222 to request a show.
Learn more and get tickets at the Kauffman Center's Website.
Flint Hills Shakespeare Festival
*2025 show info in spring 2025*
The Flint Hills Shakespeare Festival is a community based initiative focused on providing patrons with classical outdoor theater under the stars of Northeast Kansas. Live Audio Description on Saturday, September 21.
Tickets online at flinthillsshakespearefestival.com
KCRep Theater
Audio Description is available upon request. Request description when purchasing your tickets.
Location information: Spencer Theater - 4949 Cherry St, Kansas City, MO 64110
Tickets: +18162352700 or https://kcrep.org/.
Lawrence Arts Center
Audio Description is available upon request. Request description when purchasing your tickets.
Location information: 940 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS
Tickets: 785-843-2787 or visit their website.
A video about accessibility, parking, and Guest Services at KC Starlight Theater
Additional description opportunities
Art Description
The Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission’s Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition has a proud tradition. The exhibition was founded by Jim Patti in 1987 and is sponsored by the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission, which receives financial and staff support from the City of Lawrence. Artworks are displayed in downtown Lawrence, along Massachusetts Street, at Theatre Lawrence and in other areas.
Listen to the tour on the Audio-Reader Soundcloud Page
Museum Description
Watkins Community History Museum
1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
Housed in a beautiful, historic building on the corner of 11th and Massachusetts Streets, the Watkins showcases unique and fascinating stories from Douglas County’s past. Admission is free to the public, and donations are appreciated. Visit their website to learn more and plan your visit at https://www.watkinsmuseum.org/visit/.
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. 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.