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1993-04-04
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(26) Wed 3 Feb 93 1:08p
By: Gordon Gillesby
To: All
Re: GUTHRIE THEATER 1/3
----------------------------------------------------------------------
GUTHRIE THEATER IMPLEMENTS
AUDIO DESCRIPTION SERVICE
FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
The Guthrie Theater is pleased to announce the implementation of its
audio description (AD) program, a landmark technique designed to make
theater-going more accessible for the visually impaired. Developed by
Dr. Margaret Pfanstiehl and Mr. Cody Pfanstiehl, audio description is
the art of talking pictorially to recreate elements of a theatrical
production that low vision and blind patrons would otherwise miss.
In the AD performance a trained describer, sitting in the back of the
theater, narrates the onstage performance to visually impaired
listeners in the audience via an infrared transmitter. During pauses
in the stage dialogue, listeners hear descriptions of actions, body
language, costumes, scenery, stage effects and other aspects of the
production not conveyed by voices on the stage.
Audio Description, currently gaining nation-wide recognition, is used
not only by theaters across the country but also for art exhibits,
films and television. Dr. Pfanstiehl has received an Emmy award for
her audio description work for TV, and both Pfanstiehls have trained
describers on both sides of the Atlantic.
Recently, the Pfanstiehls visited the Guthrie to provide a rigorous
three-day training seminar for six designated Guthrie describers. AD
is a challenging art to master; describers must learn to insert their
comments between portions of stage dialogue, to winnow essential stage
elements from inessential ones and to provide objective descriptions
rather than judgmental statements. Each narration is live and
spontaneous. No script is used, although describers undertake a
lengthy preparation process before describing each show which includes
reading the script, attending rehearsals and talking to artistic
staff. "The job of the audio describer is to train his mouth to be his
eyes," explains Cody Pfanstiehl. The six Guthrie describers, each of
whom auditioned for the positions, are all volunteers dedicating their
time to the project.
The audio description program lies at the heart of the Guthrie
commitment to provide increased accessibility for its blind and low
vision patrons. The theater already offers audio programs, audio study
guides, and braille and large print programs for each production.
Audio programs, running ten to fifteen minutes, include a cast list,
play synopsis and description of sets, props and costumes. Audio
programs and recorders are available preshow in the theater's lobby.
Audio study guides, running ninety minutes, are an edited version of
the Guthrie's study guide and are available on a loan basis from the
theater's gift shop.
Audio description will be offered at select Guthrie performances. The
Guthrie is currently the only theater in Minnesota that will provide
AD performances. Individuals who would like to know more about audio
description or arts organizations interested in organizing their own
AD program are encouraged to contact Pam Truesdell at the Guthrie
(612-347-1108) for further information.
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(34) Fri 5 Feb 93 4:55p
By: Gordon Gillesby
To: All
Re: arts for disabled
----------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCESS TO THE ARTS
Last October, 125 people gathered at the Minnesota History Center in
St. Paul to discuss ways in which the arts can be made more accessible
to people with disabilities. The Access to the Arts Conference was
attended by people from many of the major arts institutions in the
Twin Cities, from agencies representing various disability groups and
from the general public. Conference sessions provided opportunities
to discuss how people, in the past and present, have been excluded
from the arts because of their disabilities and how some steps are
currently being taken to create greater outreach and access to people
with disabilities.
Following this conference, Very Special Arts Minnesota (VSAMN) was
chosen by the conference planning committee to be the agency to
forward the ideals of arts access. A state-wide, non-profit agency
since 1986, VSAMN promotes quality, accessible arts experiences for
people with all types of disabilities. This past summer VSAMN decided
to address its mission by making currently existing arts opportunities
available to people with disabilities in the following ways:
To serve as an agency that links the various communities of people
with disabilities to the various communities of the arts.
To provide resources and information to people with disabilities
allowing them access to the arts as participants and observers.
To provide people with disabilities opportunities to be involved in
educational, promotional, and political issues pertinent to the arts.
To provide resources and information to people in the arts about
making their sites, audiences, participants, educational outreach, and
organizing structures more inclusive of people with disabilities.
To provide training to arts organizations and individual artists in
working with individuals with disabilities.
In the coming months, this space will focus on issues pertaining to
arts access and the individuals and groups that are making it happen.
If you would like to hear more about what is going on in the area of
arts access in Minnesota or if you would like to help make the arts
more accessible, contact Craig Dunn, VSAMN Executive Director. (612)
332-3888 - Hennepin Center for the Arts, 528 Hennepin Avenue, Suite
201, Minneapolis 55403.
This article is a reprint from ACCESS PRESS newspaper. Editorial
content may be reprinted with attribution (and notification) to ACCESS
PRESS. Letters and editorial submissions are welcome.
ACCESS PRESS
3338 University Avenue S.E.
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414.
612/379-0989 (voice)
612/379-2730 (FAX)
* Eagles may fly but weasels aren't sucked into jet engines.
* Origin: DRAGnet - Disability Resources - (612) 753-1942
(1:282/1007)