Tag Archives: Live Performance

How I Got My Own Personal Audio Describer for  the Lion King

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A lion head with a huge shaggy mane

While I was watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade last month it was announced  the Lion King  was celebrating 25 years of its theatrical production. I recalled the first time I saw the Lion King. It was the animated version and I was totally sighted. I remember the incredible music and visual affects. A friend even purchased the original soundtrack and we would listen to it  during our car rides around town.

Missed First Production But Went to Second

Of course, this was many years ago and I am blind today. But my vision loss didn’t stop me. When I heard the theatrical production was coming to my local theater I had to go. The first time the production came I missed it waiting on a friend. By the time we got  to ordering the tickets it was sold out. I was very disappointed.

I promised myself next time to grab a ticket immediately and not wait around. So, when they came back again that is exactly what I did. Lesson learned. I was sitting on my sofa watching TV and the commercial came on announcing the Lion King was coming back to Atlanta. WooHoo! I ran to the phone and got out my credit card to buy a ticket. I didn’t even tell anyone, I just did it.

Excited About Live Audio Description

When I was purchasing my ticket the representative told me the production was available in audio description. I was elated. I was already familiar with how it brought movies and TV to life. I had also used audio description for plays  and musicals so I was aware of live audio description. It is very similar  to TV and movies but you get to engage with the audio describer right there in the theater. I would wear a headset to hear the description and the describer would be located nearby in the theater  giving me info on what was happening on stage. I was even more motivated to go. To see this wonderful production and then to have it audio described! Well, it just beat all.

Confusion About Audio Description

Two women have a sign language conversation at a table.

ON the day of the performance an usher guided me over to the deaf and hard of hearing section. I was confused because I am not deaf nor hard of hearing. Unfortunately, things like this happen all the time to me and my community. People lump the blind and deaf together as if we have the same disability. I have had friends  tell me of times people thought they needed a sign language interpreter. Or people talking really loud  to us as if we have  hearing loss. I mean it goes on and on. So, although I was confused I was not totally surprised.

I asked the usher about audio description and  now they were the one confused. I explained what audio description was and how it worked for the blind. The usher  didn’t know what to do so got a manager. While I waited I talked to the real time captioner for the deaf. I knew her from disability events where she  would do captioning. This type of technology reduces the need for multiple sign language interpreters  because the captioner would use a device to type and the words would appear on the screen for several deaf people to read at one time.

Got Personal  Describer

While we were chatting and catching up the manager came over to apologize. He told me there was a mistake and I was told wrong. There would be no audio description after all. He was deeply sorry for the misunderstanding and embarrassment. As I was processing this news another man came over to introduce himself. He told me he was a professional audio describer  and was here to observe the captioning process. He said he would be happy to audio describe the production for me. So, I went from major displeasure to major  happiness in a matter of a few minutes.

Described All the Sights and sounds

audience of people facing a stage watching a play. There is one person on stage surrounded by furniture.

We decided to move away from the crowd and sit closer to the corner of the room. It was a good spot for him to see everything  and to also talk in my ear without disturbing people around us. The production began with the animals coming down the aisle  moving toward the stage. It was just like in the movie  where all the animals  travel to Pride Rock for the ceremony of Simba. He described the vibrant and colorful costumes. He described the fluent body movements of the dancers  as animals. He described all the sights and sounds. It was amazing! Who knew I would have my own personal audio describer sitting right next to me.

He even described the dancers who pretended to be  grass and water. They were dressed in green. They had these fan-like objects in their hands also in green. This was to simulate the tall moving grass from the movie. It was the same set up for water. The dancers were in blue and moved their bodies simulating water flowing. He described other dancers dressed in animal costumes and how they moved around the stage just like the animal  they  mimicked.

A giraffe with an extended long neck

I was truly captivated by the creativity  of the production and talent of the dancers and actors. It was literally just like in the animated version. Since I was sighted when I saw the movie  I use my visual memories. Along with those memories and an excellent audio describer, I had a wonderful time. What started out as a disappointment turned into  an exciting moment for me.

Watched Movie on Disney+

Empish watching TV. She is sitting on sofa pointing remote control at TV.

This past week, to honor the 25th anniversary, I watched the movie again. It was available through Disney+ in audio description. Of course, it was different from the live theatrical production with my own personal describer. Who could match that? However, it was enjoyable all the same. Hakuna Matata!

Audio Description Helps Me Keep a Thanksgiving Day Tradition

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An orange background with the words “Happy Thanksgiving Day” in block script

This time of year we celebrate the holidays and  its traditions. Thanksgiving brings on lots of food, family and fun. One major Thanksgiving  tradition is watching the Macy’s Day parade.

A Thanksgiving Day Tradition From Childhood

Since I was a small child,  this TV event was a regular part of my Thanksgiving Day  celebration. .  I would get up early in the morning still in my pjs, grab a bowl of cereal  and park myself right in front of the TV. For the next few hours my eyes were glued to the screen  watching the huge helium balloons, colorful and beautiful floats  and listening to the many marching bands.

Each year  something new and exciting happened with the parade . It could be new helium balloon cartoon characters and a list of popular musicians  and entertainers. The marching bands held a special place for me. My mother was in a collegiate marching band and later I attended Florida A&M University, famous for the infamous Marching 100.

A marching band performing with conductor in a parade. The ban is wearing red with white stripes on their pants and caps playing instruments

While I was captivated by all the sights and sounds of the parade my parents were busy in the kitchen preparing our Thanksgiving meal. My dad would do the major cooking of smoked turkey, ham with pineapples, collard greens, mac and cheese and sweet potato pie. While my mother  cooked and prepared the cornbread dressing  with giblet gravy. Sometimes they would call me in to do a taste test  otherwise I was barred from the kitchen until they were done. Of course, I had no problem with that command because the Macy’s Day Parade was on and I didn’t want to miss a minute.

View of the inside of a basket filled with root vegetables like squash, pumpkin, potatoes, carrots and onions

Tried to Continue After Blindness

Years later, as an adult I still continued this Thanksgiving day tradition. Dawning my pjs  and holding my cereal bowl I sat on my sofa and watched the proceedings again. It was just like old times. After vision loss I made attempts to watch it but after a couple of tries I knew it was not going to work.

The Macy’s Day Parade was too visual. Too many things to figure out.  Too many things I couldn’t enjoy anymore. So, for years I let this tradition go and just kept my memories.

What is Audio Description

But about 3 years ago I noticed audio description  became available for this parade. An audio described TV show or movie is when images, scenes, actions and descriptions of the actor’s appearance are described during natural pauses in the production. It allows the blind or visually impaired viewer to know what is happening and enjoy the film along with their sighted peers.

Audio description is available in a variety of mediums such as analog TV, streaming services, DVDs, cable, satellite and movie theaters. Additionally, you can find audio description available at live theatrical performances and museums. The Macy’s Day Parade was audio described live by Descriptive Video Works, Where I sit as an advisory  committee member.

Audio Description Brought Tradition Back

Empish watching TV. She is sitting on sofa pointing remote control at TV.

I was so excited to reintroduce this Thanksgiving Day tradition  into my life again. Even during the pandemic, The parade aired. Although condensed with a shorter route  and no live audience on the street, it was still great. I got to hear one of my favorite entertainers, Patti LaBelle, sing. Woohoo! This year  was the 96th anniversary. There was  a performance from the Lion King, more balloons, floats and several marching bands. Then a finale of Santa Claus and Mariah Carey singing her famous song, “All I Want for Christmas is You.”

Like the Thanksgiving meal, it just wouldn’t be the same without  watching this parade. I am just so glad and grateful audio description  lets me keep this Thanksgiving tradition. And hopefully for many more years to come.

I’m Still Not Back in the Movie Theater and Here’s Why

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Empish wearing audio description headset at movie theater

National Cinema Day

Two years ago, I wrote a post about my reluctance  to watch movies at my local movie theater, AMC. Although, they had put COVID protocols  in place I was still not comfortable. The pandemic  was still raging and our numbers here in Georgia were still high. Well, that was some time ago  and since today, Sept 3, is National cinema Day it is appropriate to give an update.

Haven’t Return to Movie Theater

I have to be honest with you and say I have still not entered a movie theater. Things with the pandemic are slowing down. People are getting back out and about. Things are  getting back to some kind of normalcy  we experienced before. So, if this is the case, what gives? What’s my issue? Movie theaters are doing all kinds of promotions to get people back in. While researching this post I saw  online  $3  movie tickets  for today. What a steal! But that is still not enough to coax me out of the house. Even the  bankrupted company, Movie Pass, for which I was a loyal member, is back  and up and running.

Empish watching TV. She is sitting on sofa pointing remote control at TV.

My initial  reasons were the pandemic but two years later I am in a different place in my life. Trudging all the way to the movie theater  on public transportation is not in the cards for me anymore. Now, it is about time management. Do I have the availability  to travel and watch a movie? The answer is no, not anymore. Especially when I can  just easily  turn on my firestick  or smartphone  and watch a film in my home. Also, as an introvert I don’t feel the need to be around people to enjoy my entertainment. Here’s one last reason. I am job hunting  and spend my days  looking for new freelance jobs and/or polishing my  work skills.

Attending Live Theatre

Now,  you might say, “Empish, you just shared about attending live theatre, so what’s the problem?” Good question. It is true, I have recently  gone back to see live performances  but that is a different animal. A live production  is not like watching an actor on  a movie screen. The excitement and thrill of being  up close and personal  is a feeling that doesn’t compare to the cinema. Besides, I go see a live production about  once a month or so. Something like that. It is not very often, whereas  new films come out every weekend or so.

Decision Not Forever

popcorn in a movie theater style square package with movie tickets in the background

So, even though this is the day to nationally celebrate the movie theater, I’m still staying home. I don’t think this decision is forever. No, not at all, because I got to see the sequel of Black Panther. Just like the first one, this is a movie  you gotta see in the theater with a large soda and bucket of buttery popcorn.

Have you been back in the theater since the pandemic? If so, what has been your experience? Or are you like me and staying put at home?

Performances and the Pandemic: How I Attended Live Theatre Safely

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A theater mask split down the middle with one side smiling and one side frowning.

Enjoy Live Theatre

I have attended live theatre performances for many years. It is exciting and thrilling to see  people on stage right in front of me. The acting, singing and dancing  are a true joy  to observe. I especially enjoy live community theatre. The close and intimate space  provides an amazing chance to engage more  than performances at larger venues.

Won’t Watch Theatre on Videoconferencing

Yet, when the pandemic  struck in 2020 theatres shut down  and like most people I stop going. Many theatres  slowly started offering an alternative to watch performances  via videoconference. I made a meager attempt to attend  but felt disconnected  from what was actually happening on the  stage. Watching from a computer monitor was just not the same. Plus, I missed the interaction I had with other theatre goers. Sitting amongst the crowd provided  ample opportunities  to converse, laugh  and connect as a group. So, I begged off and decided to pass.

I had just signed up for season tickets right before the pandemic  and was disappointed  that I couldn’t go. My local theatre  suggested  instead of a refund to wait.  I did and now the theatre is back open and I have attended about 3 plays this year. The First one was the day before  World Theatre Day on March 27. The production was about  love and relationships. The ups and downs  of a couple  dealing with life and raising a child. Pretty typical stuff, right? Yeah it was, but the ability to be in person was just awesome and here’s why.

Clear COVID Instructions

Empish wearing orange top with her college alumni, Florida A&M University, facemask

1. The theatre gave clear instructions on COVID restrictions. When the decision  came to reopen, the theatre communicated  with patrons  the expectations. I knew  well in advance to wear a facemask. I had to have a negative COVID test or a vaccine card. I also had to provide photo ID. These  protocols helped me feel more comfortable  about returning. I knew there would be safety measures in place.

Easy Transportation Arrangements

2. After selecting my ticket, the theatre not only sent me a confirmation  but additional info. In my email I was given  background on the performance  along with the estimated run time.  In the past I would have to call to find out when the performance was ending. Since I use  paratransit, a specialized public transportation service, I have to tell my ride when to  come and return. This saved me a phone call and I could schedule my transportation  easier.

Seating Spread Out

3. Once I arrived and checked in, the usher told me about  where to wait until the doors opened. We had the option to sit inside  or outside  on benches under a  canopy-style tent. When it was time, the usher guided me to my seat. We were spread out a bit and everyone seemed comfortable with the arrangement.

This whole experience  really helped me to feel better about being out and in crowds again. Prior I was feeling cagey about  returning to my old routine. I realize the pandemic is not totally over but we still have to continue with life. How and what that looks like  is the thing we are learning daily.

Are You Attending Live Theatre?

Have you gotten out again since the pandemic? Why or why not. If you have  what things did you do to feel better about the experience?