So far this season, a handful of shows on Broadway, including Shrek, are offering this new service. For those in the audience who are visually impaired, it's a way for them to fill in the blanks, details about how the characters look, the set design and movement on stage.
The program is opening the world of theater to countless people who would have otherwise missed out.
Andrea Day's voice is their eyes. She is filling in the blanks for kids who hang onto her every word.
It's all part of the new program, Audio Description, created by the Theatre Development Fund. The children are visually impaired. Some just see colors, others lights or blurred images.
But by putting on special ear pieces, they get a better understanding of what's actually happening on stage. Andrea tells them what Shrek looks like and how the scenery is laid out.
"I try to be very specific about the details I describe," Day said. "Because you could talk forever, blah blah blah, but then they would miss the play."
Day makes sure not to speak over the lyrics or dialog.
"If Andrea wasn't in my ear, telling me step-by-step what's going on, I won't know," student Tamilah Alexander said. "I would be very confused."
The students' journey actually began at St. Joseph's School for the Blind, the day before the show.
Andrea prepped the kids for the performance, everything from Pinocchio's nose growing to how the costumes feel. They are all bits and pieces of information the kids can use to once they are at the theater.
This season, "The Lion King," "Grease," "Mary Poppins" and "The Little Mermaid" have also offered the new service, but the Theatre Development Fund hopes to expand the program to other Broadway shows.
To find out what shows offer the service and more information about audio describing, visit b>TDF.org.
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WEB PRODUCED BY: Bill King
NEW YORK AND TRI-STATE AREA NEWS
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