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Signed and Captioned performances
Signed Performances in Theatre (SPIT) was formed in 1994 to encourage and facilitate sign language interpreted performances for people who are Deaf and hard of hearing. The primary aim is to ensure that all Deaf people have access to a broad range of theatre through the provision of high quality BSL (Britsh Sign Language) interpreted performances. A BSL interpreted performance is, in basic terms, a performance during which the vocal line is interpreted into sign language. The organisation has evolved out of a need not only to cater for Deaf and hard of hearing audiences, but also for venues and companies themselves to be sensitive to and better educated about the issues and practice of providing BSL interpreted performances.
"When you stage sign language interpreted theatre you become part of building a society that recognises Deaf people's rights. In the 21st century I hope that our children's' Deaf children will enjoy theatre too."
Maggie Woolley, former Director of SHAPE London and a regular attender of sign language interpreted theatre
Aims
SPIT aims to encourage and develop the provision of BSL interpreted performances of the highest quality, to ensure that the wide range of theatre experiences in the UK is accessible to Deaf and hard of hearing people.
The Organisation
SPIT has established a strong reputation and profile for work in the field of BSL interpreted performances since it was launched in 1994.
SPIT is a membership based organisation, theatre venues and companies pay an annual subscription for which they receive a range of benefits and services. SPIT has over 60 members across the country, representing a broad spectrum of arts organisations from large national companies to the smaller arts centre and community theatre. All art forms are represented. (Click here for the current member list))
The organisation is run by an elected executive which includes a representative from SHAPE, London's disability arts organisation.
Captioned Performances
In addition to your regular BSL interpreted programme you may wish to consider offering captioning.
What is it?
Captions (subtitles) are shown at the same time as the words are spoken or sung. They can enable people with various degrees of hearing loss t fully understand. Sound effects/off-stage noises can be included. It is possible to use a full or edited text in any language.
How does it work?
The script is formatted using a sophisticated text editing routine and displayed on a LED screen that is modified with an interface allowing correct display of the text on the screen. The text is scrolled at the same time as the actors speak. Correct timing of the scrolling enables many people with some residual hearing to hear the actors much more clearly. A good captioner has a love of theatre and good deaf awareness.
Who is the audience?
One person in seven in the UK has a hearing loss of some degree and most of them are older people. Sound enhancement systems are currently of most value to people with a mild hearing loss (45% of the total). BSL Interpreted Performances provide access for those who understand sign language. A significant number of people with a hearing loss do not understand BSL and for them captioning is a useful form of access to theatre.
Who has captioned theatre so far?
Since November 2000 the RSC has offered captioned performances around the country of "The Duchess of Malfi", "The Secret Garden", "Henry V", "The Rivals", "Hamlet" and "Julius Caesar". Now many theatres offer captioning including the Young Vic, Donmar Warehouse, Lyric Hammersmith, Sadler's Wells, Nottingham Playhouse, Graeae and West Yorkshire Playhouse. Feedback from members of the audience with a hearing loss has been very positive.
One organisation has long offered a captioning service to theatres - STAGETEXT, a charity set up to make theatre accessible to people with a hearing loss. Some theatres are purchasing their own equipment that, with the appropriate training of captioners, will enable them to deliver captioned performances in-house. The Royal Shakespeare Company is one of these.
Captioning and Stage Text
To search for captioned performances, use the Stagetext performance search page and select "Captioned" from the "Access Type" option.
STAGETEXT, 8th Floor, York House, Empire Way, Wembley HA9 0PA
Tel (voice/text/fax) 020 8903 5566
E-mail: enquiries@stagetext.co.uk
Web: www.stagetext.co.uk
Captioning support is now being extended through the Treasury-funded 'See A Voice' programme. (www.see-a-voice.org).
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