The historic Palace Theatre in Georgetown will now offer Audio Description on the Saturday and Sunday performances of opening weekend for each production. That means that blind and low-vision patrons can book a seat at either 7:30 p.m. Saturday evening or 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon to take advantage of this service, for which there is no extra cost. Patrons who would like to take advantage of Audio Description should call the front office (512-869-7469) in advance to reserve a receiver. The receivers have been tested and work anywhere in the building.
Audio Description consists of two components. First, there is the hardware, made up of a transmitter and an individual receiver for each user. The individual receiver is a body pack the size of a deck of cards and an ear cuff to fit over one ear. The user has complete volume control with the receivers. The theatre has invested in a total of 10 loaner receivers at the moment and will add to the kit if demand exists.
Second, an individual has been trained to describe the set, individual characters, costumes, and key movements on the stage. The describer will start 10 to 15 minutes before the performance begins, giving the user a general description of the set and time frame of the play. The user will be given pertinent background information about the play such as one might get from the Playbill, including a list of scenes, intermission, playwright, director, chorographers, individual characters/actors, and information about their costumes. During the performance, describers are trained to insert their comments as much as possible during “silent” periods of the spoken or singing parts of the play. These comments will consist of key movements of characters, set changes, and explanations of key noises (For example, “Kent is shuffling cards.”). At intermission, any update which is specific to the second act will be described about 5 to 10 minutes before the start of the second act.
The Palace’s opening production for the 2012-2013 Season is I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (a hilarious musical comedy rated with Adult Themes). Opening weekend is September 21-23, so the dates that Audio Description will be offered for this play are September 22 and 23. Ticket prices are $24 General Admission, $22 Seniors (55+), $14 Students (10-22) and Active Military, and $10 Children (9 and younger).
The Palace seats about 295, with reserved seating paid for in the ticket price. The Palace office in the lobby of the theatre is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. (except for some holiday dates). Purchase tickets and select seating on-line at www.georgetownpalace.com or by calling (512) 869-7469 or (512) 869-5081. (Please call ahead regarding special needs seating, hearing loop needs, and audio description.) Visa, Master Card, and Discover Card are accepted.
The Historic Palace Theatre is located at 810 South Austin Avenue in downtown Georgetown and is part of the most beautiful Town Square in Texas!
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