How to Request Audio Description or an Interpreter

Sure, we list local performances scheduled for audio description and sign language interpretation here on this website. But what about a performance not on our schedule that you would like to attend? And how did the decision get made to describe these performances in the first place?

Arts Access does not decide what performances to describe – the theatres do! The performances and days they choose may be based on a number of factors:

A season ticket holder has asked for described performances on a certain day
Tickets for certain performances are less expensive than other days, thus enabling more people to attend
Certain performances take place at times when there is better public transportation

And starting in January, 2010, some theaters which have regularly offered description will only offer description on a request basis, due to funding cuts, costs, and limited use of AD services.

Whatever the reason, the ultimate beneficiary of service is YOU, so YOU need to be heard! YOU have to ADVOCATE for your own needs!

If you want description or an interpreter for a performance not on our published schedule, contact the box office and request audio description or sign language interpretation! They may direct you to someone else, but that's where the process starts. Your chances of getting a show described increase if:

You give at least three week's notice
You are flexible as to which date you can attend
You follow-through and attend the performance as requested (establish a track record)
When possible, you find additional users prior to your request (definitely not required, but helpful)

Theatre phone numbers are always available in a link off our Performance Schedule page.

In the past, Arts Access has worked with several theatre groups in Raleigh to offer season commitments for audio description and, to a lesser extent, interpretation – all shows in a certain "series" (e.g., Main Stage productions) audio described or interpreted on the same day and time of the run – so you can plan ahead or buy a season ticket. Many of those same theatre companies also have shows outside their main series for which there is no advance commitment to provide description. This doesn't mean you can't request description for a show. Just start the process early and make sure you attend!

The ball's in your court ...

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