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:

The Lied Center

Tetris | Friday, April 5

*Join Audio-Reader for a reception starting at 6PM in the Seymour Gallery*

Show starts at 7PM

Experience Arch8’s physically awe-inspiring work, Tetris, featuring a gravity-defying combination of acrobatics, extreme physicality and movement. Tetris, inspired by the addictive puzzle game and the twists and turns of a Rubik’s Cube, has performers fitting, merging, stacking and combining in various feats. The show is about fitting into a group, but also staying true to yourself. It is for the kids who can’t sit still, for the ones who like to climb the walls and for those who can imagine further than they can see.

Website & Tickets Link *Use promo code AUDIO for $5 tickets!*

Facebook Event Link

Location information: 1600 Stewart Drive, Lawrence, KS
Tickets: 785-864-2787 or visit their website.

Theatre Lawrence

Friday, April 26 - I Hate Hamlet

Audio Described performances will be on Friday evenings; Please arrive by 7:00pm for the 7:30pm start time.

A comedy by Paul Rudnick    

A young and successful television actor relocates to New York where he is offered the opportunity to play Hamlet onstage. The problem: He Hates Hamlet. His dilemma deepens with the entrance of John Barrymore’s ghost, who arrives intoxicated and in full costume to the apartment that once was his. The contrast between the two actors leads to a wildly funny duel over women, art, success, duty, television, and the apartment. 

Tickets link: https://theatrelawrence.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=150

Location information: 4660 Bauer Farm Drive, Lawrence, KS
Tickets: 785-843-7469 or visit their website.

Contact Theatre Lawrence to request additional dates.

I Hate Hamlet

The Coterie Theatre at Crown Center

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed 

  • Thursday, May 9, 12pm 

  • Friday, May 10, 7pm 

A rockin’ show about being comfortable in your own skin — or suit!

Based on the beloved children’s book by Mo Willems, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience is a charming rock ‘n roll parable that uses energetic songs and quirky characters to encourage young audiences to embrace their originality. Wilbur and all his fellow naked mole rats in the Tunnel have always been, well… naked. Wondering about other possibilities, Wilbur discovers a love for wearing clothing. When word of his new passion for getting dressed turns the whole Tunnel upside down, Wilbur sets a new trend and proves to the world there’s no need to be just like everyone else.

Webpage & Tickets Link

Location information: 2450 Grand Blvd, Suite 144; Kansas City, MO 64108-2520
Tickets: 816-474-6552 or visit their website.

Theatre Lawrence

Friday, June 14 - Fiddler on the Roof

Audio Described performances will be on Friday evenings; Please arrive by 7:00pm for the 7:30pm start time.

Book by Joseph Stein | Music by Jerry Bock | Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick

A musical theatre tradition! This is a tale of Tevye and his family in a changing Russia. The plight of traditional values in the face of changing social mores and ethnic prejudice cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion to touch audiences on a universal level with laughter, sadness and joy.

Tickets link: https://theatrelawrence.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=151

Location information: 4660 Bauer Farm Drive, Lawrence, KS
Tickets: 785-843-7469 or visit their website.

Contact Theatre Lawrence to request additional dates.

The Coterie Theatre at Crown Center

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

  • Thursday, July 18, 1pm

  • Friday, July 19, 7pm

The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening his marvelous and mysterious chocolate factory… but only to a lucky few! When Charlie Bucket and the others find their golden tickets, their boring lives explode with color and confections beyond their wildest dreams. Join Charlie, Violet, Augustus, Veruca, Violet, and Mike Teavee as they embark on a mesmerizing joyride through a world of pure imagination.

Website & Tickets Link

Location information: 2450 Grand Blvd, Suite 144; Kansas City, MO 64108-2520
Tickets: 816-474-6552 or visit their website.

Starlight Theater

2024 Summer Broadway Series

https://www.kcstarlight.com/events/season-tickets/broadway-season-tickets/ 

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 

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Check in the future for upcoming performances, or contact their box office to request a show.

Learn more and get tickets at the Kauffman Center's Website or call the box office at 816-994-7222

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/.

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.


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

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.