Kelly Hodgkins is an interpreter for hearing impaired people.
Kelly Hodgkins is an interpreter for hearing impaired people.
A special performance of New Plymouth Operatic Society’s Jersey Boys will allow everyone to enjoy theatre.
On Sunday, July 14, the Operatic Society will run a sight and hearing-impaired friendly show, with a New Zealand Sign Language interpreter on the side of the stage signing throughout and a trainedaudio describer adding a description of the visual information for the visually impaired.
Nicola Owen, of Audio Described Aotearoa, said patrons who were sight impaired would be given a receiver and earpiece to listen to the introductory notes which gave an overview of the show’s visuals and a summary of the characters.
“When the show begins, a description is given throughout of what the characters are doing between the dialogue and songs.”
Owen will be joined by Platform Interpreting NZ director Kelly Hodgins.
Owen and Hodgins have worked at the showplace before, helping bring theatre to hearing and visually impaired patrons during Matilda and last year’s production We Will Rock You.
Nicola Owen from Audio Described Aotearoa.
New Plymouth Operatic Society marketing manager Tracey Blake said offering this special performance was vital to be inclusive.
“We are excited to be able to offer this again this year.”
