Audio Description
Our audio description service brings shows to life for theatre-goers who are blind or have low vision.
Vision Australia's audio description service offers people who are blind or vision impaired the opportunity to enjoy the same level of access to a range of recreational activities as a sighted person.
On this page:
What is Audio Description?
Audio description is the narration of visual aspects of live theatre performances, tours and videos. Our free service, supported by community groups, helps bring entertainment to life for people who are blind or vision impaired.
Theatre Productions
Vision Australia's audio description service complements the theatre experience by offering live descriptions of a play's visual elements.
A team of trained Vision Australia volunteers provides the commentary, which listeners can access through a small radio receiver and single earpiece.
Before the performance starts, the audio describers provide program details together with descriptions of costumes and stage settings. Throughout the play, concise descriptions of actions, expressions and gestures are transmitted during gaps between the dialogue of the on-stage actors.
Those receiving the audio description service may choose to sit with their companions in any area of the theatre.
Program Guide
Bookings
Audio description is available for selected performances at venues across Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
The service is available in Victoria at the Princess Theatre, the Regent Theatre, Her Majesty's Theatre, the Comedy Theatre and the Victorian Art Centre plus theatres in Alburyand Geelong.
In New South Wales, it is offered in Sydney at the Sydney Theatre Company, Ensemble Theatre, Riverside Theatre, Parramatta and Q Theatre, Penrith.
In Canberra, audio description is provided at the Canberra Theatre Centre.
Tickets to audio described theatre in New South Wales or the Australian Capital Territory can be purchased directly through the booking agent. At the time of booking, the audio description service should be requested. The name and contact details of the person wishing to access the service should also be given in order to reserve a headset.
For performances in Victoria, the audio description service can be booked by calling Vision Australia directly once tickets have been purchased through the booking agent.
Audio Described Tours and Attractions
Audio-cassettes and CDs providing narrative detail of visual information are available at selected events, attractions and tours in New South Wales and Victoria.
Venues providing audio described tours in New South Wales include the Powerhouse Museum, Australian Museum, Cremorne Point Reserve on Sydney Harbour, Art Gallery of NSW and Museum of Contemporary Art.
Tours are also available at the Old Melbourne Gaol in Victoria.
Vision Australia Information Library Service
Videos with audio description included on the sound track are also available through our Information Library Service.