WICKED INTRODUCES D-SCRIPTIVE,
I-CAPTION AND SHOWTRANS
Now available for all performances at Pantages Theatre
The Los Angeles company of WICKED is now offering D-Scriptive, I-Caption and ShowTrans, new state-of-the-art customer services that provides scene-by-scene dialogue and commentary of the production for hearing challenged patrons (I-Caption), sight challenged patrons (D-Scriptive) and translations for non-English speakers (ShowTrans) in Spanish, Japanese, French, German and Portuguese. D-Scriptive, I-Caption and ShowTrans are now available at all performances of WICKED at the Pantages Theatre.
More than a word-for-word translation, these three services give patrons the actual dialogue, as well as continual plot and descriptive information that enables them to follow the action, intention, humor and emotion of the show.
D-Scriptive, I-Caption and ShowTrans are available in the theatre lobby prior to all performances. These services can also be reserved in advance by calling the toll-free reservation line (888) 876-0801. ShowTrans multi-language commentary may be rented for $10 per ear receiver; the two other services –
D-Scriptive and I-Caption -- are offered for the hearing and sight challenged at no charge to the patron.
These new programs are created and serviced by Sound Associates, and sponsored in part by the National Institute for Special Need Audiences, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to using technology to make theatre accessible for those who may otherwise not be able to enjoy it. The proceeds help to fund programs for the blind, the deaf and the hearing impaired.
D-Scriptive, I-Caption and Showtrans were originally introduced in New York, and are currently available at the Broadway productions of WICKED, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Rent, Hairspray and Mamma Mia!
The precise timing of the commentary to the action of the show is critical.
D-Scriptive, I-Caption and ShowTrans are integrated into the show’s cueing system so that the commentary keeps pace with the action onstage. Even if there are greatly varying factors in the performance, the system does not miss a beat, and will always find its exact spot in the show.
When using Showtrans, a signal is transmitted, via either light wave or radio wave, to a multi-channel receiver that has been tuned to the desired language. The theatre patron wears a tiny earphone in one ear through which they can hear the commentary throughout the show.
D-Scriptive is an automated system for the sight-challenged, that works by exactly the same process and is controlled by the same master system. During the show, the blind or sight-impaired audience member hears a detailed description of all the visual aspects of the production, including choreography, lighting, sets and costumes. It too is timed perfectly to the show’s cueing system, and adjusts itself according to any fluctuations in the performance.
I-Caption is a hand-held captioning system for the deaf and severely hearing-impaired theatergoer, and is the newest and latest development offered as part of these special services. Also automated, it receives the signal from the master system and displays verbatim texts of the entire show, including lyrics, announcements and show information.
The captioning device, approximately the size of a small PDA, can either be held by the patron, or placed in a specially fitted receptacle on the seat-back in front of them, specifically tailored to each theater. The incredibly sharp screen is not visible to anyone not directly in front of the device, so as to avoid any distraction to neighbors. Even though the text keeps pace with the show, the user can scroll backwards at any time, to review previously displayed information.
About D-Scriptive, I-Caption and ShowTrans and Sound Associates, Inc.
In 1981, its designer, Richard Fitzgerald, CEO of Sound Associates, was the recipient of a Tony Award in special recognition of this groundbreaking innovation, which has now become the standard on Broadway and throughout the world. "Using assistive technology, our goal is to make every performance available to all theatre lovers," says Fitzgerald.
Anne Tramon, who spearheaded the Infrared Division of Sound Associates, has since helped to form The National Institute For Special Need Audiences with the goal of evolving and expanding the Infrared Listening System to include many other applications, making theatre available to many new audiences.
A non-profit organization, NISNA is combining theatrical tradition with the latest in assistive technology from Sound Associates, to help diversify the audience for live theatre in the 21st Century. NISNA funds the development of state-of-the-art communication tools for such special theatergoers as the blind, deaf, non-English speaking, and the senior citizen.
Carl Tramon, Director of Special Services for Sound Associates on Broadway, said, “Every time I see the emotional reaction of someone benefiting from one of our services, it makes me realize how much we take for granted, and how important it is that we persist in the development and application of such services. As we evolve, technology expands our potential. The services are like having a friend next to you whispering in your ear, and giving you what you need; except now the friend is freed up to watch and enjoy the show with you.”
The
About WICKED in
Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. The musical is directed by Joe Mantello, with musical staging by Wayne Cilento. The Grammy Award-winning original cast recording of WICKED, produced by Stephen Schwartz for Decca Broadway, has been one of the fastest selling Broadway recordings of recent years and has been certified ‘Platinum’ by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Winner of 15 major awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, WICKED is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.
Tickets for WICKED are on sale at www.ticketmaster.com or www.BroadwayLA.org, by phone at 213-365-3500 or 714-740-7878, in person at the Pantages Theatre Box Office,
For more information, visit www.wickedthemusical.com.
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