Subject: [Wash-at] FW: Article - Handheld Individual Captioning System, I-Caption(R) Makes All Performances of 'Wicked' Accessible to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
From: Ginette Perkins (gperkins@wa.easterseals.com)
Date: Tue Feb 01 2005 - 09:02:38 PST
Article can be found at: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050201/nytufns1_1.html
Summary
Handheld Individual Captioning System, I-Caption(R) Makes All Performances
of 'Wicked' Accessible to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Tuesday February 1, 5:20 am ET
I-Caption(R), the new individual captioning system from Sound Associates,
Inc., allows deaf patrons to be as spontaneous as anyone else attending live
theatre. The I-Caption system features a proprietary handheld unit that
displays the text of the entire show verbatim, including lyrics and
dialogue. The text is automated and synchronized with sound and lighting
cues to accommodate pacing variations from performance to performance.
"Using assistive technology, our goal is to make every performance available
to all theatre lovers," said Fitzgerald, the designer of the I- Caption
system who received a Tony Award in 1980 for introducing the Infrared
Listening System to Broadway theatres.
Source: Sound Associates, Inc.
Handheld Individual Captioning System, I-Caption(R) Makes All Performances
of 'Wicked' Accessible to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Tuesday February 1, 5:20 am ET
NEW YORK, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Until now the ability to attend live
theatre with family and friends or to see a Broadway show on the spur of the
moment has been a challenge for the deaf and hard of hearing who require
special signed performances or specific seats for complete enjoyment.
I-Caption(R), the new individual captioning system from Sound Associates,
Inc., allows deaf patrons to be as spontaneous as anyone else attending live
theatre. See http://www.soundassociates.com
"So much is happening onstage during 'Wicked' that understanding dialogue
and song lyrics is crucial to fully enjoying this show," said T. Richard
Fitzgerald, theatrical sound designer and CEO of Sound Associates, Inc.
"I-Caption provides a seamless transcription so deaf theatre patrons can
follow onstage dialogue and song lyrics conveniently and unobtrusively,"
I-Caption is the latest innovation in assistive technology employing a
handheld wireless unit that displays dialogue and lyrics in text, in real
time from any seat in the house. I-Caption is now available for all
performances of the multiple Tony Award-winning musical "Wicked" playing at
the Gershwin Theater, as well as the national touring company of Big River.
The I-Caption system features a proprietary handheld unit that displays the
text of the entire show verbatim, including lyrics and dialogue. The text is
automated and synchronized with sound and lighting cues to accommodate
pacing variations from performance to performance. A polarized screen keeps
nearby patrons from being distracted by light or moving text.
"Using assistive technology, our goal is to make every performance available
to all theatre lovers," said Fitzgerald, the designer of the I- Caption
system who received a Tony Award in 1980 for introducing the Infrared
Listening System to Broadway theatres.
"We want to break down the barriers that blind, deaf, hearing impaired,
non-English speakers and senior citizens face daily by providing technology
to make their live theatrical experience as comfortable and enjoyable as
possible," said Anne Tramon, vice-president of the Sound Associates Infrared
Division.
In addition to I-Caption, Sound Associates' ShowTrans(TM), the automated
multilingual commentary service for non-English speaking audiences, is
currently available for "Wicked." D-Scriptive(TM), an audio description
service for the blind, will be in place shortly.
For over fifty years Sound Associates has been supplying sound equipment to
the performance industry, offering the best in assistive listening for
professional or personal use and is synonymous with infrared listening.
To reserve I-Caption call 212-582-7678 in advance or simply pick up a unit
at the Infrared Listening System distribution center in the theatre lobby.
There is no charge to use I-Caption.
"Wicked" is currently playing at the Gershwin Theater, 222 W. 51st Street.
For ticket information visit http://www.wickedthemusical.com
_____
Source: Sound Associates, Inc.
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