Making Theater More Accessible
Description of Services
Sound Associates has been at the forefront of assisted listening technology since it was first introduced to Broadway in 1979 with the infrared listening system; and has continued to pioneer various products to make live theater more accessible, not only for patrons requiring audio amplification, but captions, audio description for those with low vision or no vision and even translations into many foreign languages. Below are the types of technology you will find in use throughout the Broadway theaters.
Wireless Listening System
Infrared Headset
The most commonly used device on Broadway for audio amplification, via a lightweight receiver, which is worn stethoscope style. It is intended to assist individuals with light to moderate hearing loss. Patrons who have their own infrared headset (2.3 MHz) can use their device at theaters using this technology.
Infrared Pendant Receiver
This pendant receiver is similar to the headset but allows the patron to wear the device around their neck using a pair of headphones to hear the audio. It is frequently used with a personal neck loop attachment in lieu of headphones to make it hearing aid compatible.
Neck Induction Loop
The neck induction loop attachment can be added to the infrared or FM receivers. Patrons who have a T-coil enabled hearing aid, can use this attachment to send audio from the receiver directly to their hearing aid, giving them the ability to control volume on both their hearing aid and the receiver to get the extra volume and clarity they need.
FM Listening System
The FM system uses a body pack receiver and lightweight headphones (or neck induction loop) to deliver the audio to the patron.
Induction Loop System
Several theaters on Broadway offer an induction loop system in addition to one of the other technologies. Theaters that are “looped” allow patrons with a T-coil enabled hearing aid to enjoy the production without the assistance of an additional device, simply by setting their hearing aid(s) to “T”. (Please note that not all parts of the theater are looped and the perimeter of the seating areas may experience reduced coverage. Please check with our Distribution Rep on site if you have any questions.)
Personal Captions
Closed Captioning is to be provided at every production in our Broadway Listings. Due to production constraints, captioning services are not available from the first public performance; however, Sound Associates strives to make them available as quickly as possible, but may take as much as four weeks from official opening night to create the script and automate it to make it available as an “on-demand”service for you.
I-Caption®
A small hand-held device, provided at the theater, displays pre-loaded text that has been timed to run concurrent with the production.
GalaPro Mobile App
Using your own personal smart phone or WiFi enabled tablet, the App displays the same captions as the I-Caption device. The GalaPro Mobile App is free to use for this service and can be downloaded at anytime from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. See QR code below.
Note: While most theaters on Broadway provide both technologies, not all do. Please refer to our Broadway Listings to see which services are available for the production you are attending.
Audio Description
An aural description of the physical properties (sets, costumes, characters and staging) of the production to enhance the experience of theater-goers with low vision, limited vision or blindness.
This service is to be provided at every production in our Broadway Listings. However, due to production constraints, it is not available from the first public performance. Regardless, Sound Associates strives to make this service available as quickly as possible, but may take as much as four weeks from official opening night to create the script, record it and automate it to make it available as an “on-demand”service for you.
D-Scriptive™
Using the same device designed for I-Caption, audio cues of the action occurring on stage are played. The device includes a single ear bud to the give the user the privacy of hearing the descriptions while allowing them to hear the music, dialogue and audience reactions naturally through the other ear.
GalaPro Mobile App
Using your own personal smart phone or WiFi enabled tablet, and earphones, the App plays the same audio description as the D-Scriptive device. The GalaPro Mobile App is free to use for this service and can be downloaded at any time from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. See QR code below.
Note: While most theaters on Broadway provide both technologies, not all do. Please refer to our Broadway Listings to see which services are available for the production you are attending..
Foreign Language Translations
Sound Associates offers translations to audiences with limited English in two manners:
Audien
A running commentary of the story and events, strategically placed throughout the production, this audible service is ideal for patrons with knowledge of the English language but could use assistance in understanding the vernacular and slang. The device plays the pre-recorded audio, which allows the user to listen privately with the use of a single ear bud yet still able to hear the actors for delivery and intent.
GalaPro Mobile App
Using your own personal smart phone or WiFi enabled tablet, the App displays a word-for-word translation in subtitle format. The GalaPro Mobile App is free to download at any time from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store; however, in app services fees may apply when using the translation service. See QR code below.
Note: Not all productions have opted in for Translations services. Please check our Broadway Listings page to find if the production you are attending is offering translation and which languages are available.
Use this QR code to download the GalaPro app:
