By Kate, mum to 14-year-old James
STAGETEXT - have you seen a captioned theatre performance yet?
I have always loved going to the theatre. As a child it was a wonderful treat and a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I wished to share this feeling with my children, to give them the opportunity to enjoy plays, the razzamatazz of musicals and the fun and laughter of pantomimes and all just feet away from where they would be sitting. But I had reservations, would it be the same experience for James?
James was deafened by meningitis at 16 months and received a cochlear implant at 25 months. The first time we went to the theatre as a family it was to see a pantomime and there were no captions. James read the play first to aid his understanding, but, even so, trying to hear every word put an awful strain on him and he asked for a running explanation as we watched. It was not the enjoyable experience I had expected.
Then I read about captioned performance, which are very similar to television subtitles and are suitable for children who have good reading skills. The full text of the show is displayed on a caption unit, which is usually situated on the stage. The words appear at the same time as the actors are speaking or singing and the characters names, sound effects and any off-stage noises are also shown. It sounded great.
As James was a good reader and used to television subtitles, I booked a family outing to see Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang and, guess what, it was a great success! James could follow every word and laugh or be surprised at the same time as us and didn’t have to ask for an explanation. He experienced a fabulous show that was fully accessible to him and we all had an extremely enjoyable time. I was very happy and pleased for him.
Since then we have seen many shows including Cats, The Lion King and, last Christmas, Scrooge at our local theatre, which starred Shane Richie. I asked James what he thought about the captions and he happily said: “It’s great to enjoy the plays just like everyone else and to understand what’s going on”.
So, if your child has good reading skills and you haven’t experienced a captioned performance at a theatre near you yet, why not give it a go? Many theatres hold back seats for the hearing impaired in the front to middle stalls, which are most comfortable for reading the captions. Also, tickets may be priced at a reduced rate for hearing impaired children and the adults accompanying them.
If you would like to find out more information on captioning and a list of STAGETEXT captioned performances near you, visit www.stagetext.org or email enquires@stagetext.org and ask to be added to the free email list. Alternatively, you can write to STAGETEXT, York House, Empire Way, Wembley HA9 OPA or telephone: 020 8903 5566 (voice and text).
Comments
Dear Kate,
Just read your lovely feedback about captioning. Could you please let me have your email address as I should like to contact you.
Thanks very much.
Lynn
STAGETEXT
Posted by: Lynn Jackson | December 14, 2006 12:07 AM