• 
• 

From June 2011, THE EDGE launches its latest initiative, SIGNAL.

From June 2011, THE EDGE launches its latest initiative, SIGNAL. Offering Sign Language Interpreted performances for Deaf or hearing impaired and Audio Described performances for blind or vision impaired patrons in Auckland.

SIGNAL, a new branch of THE EDGE’ Public Programmes, has been identified by Producer Bronwyn Bent as a much needed resource for Auckland. With both Silo Theatre and North Shore Musical Theatre jumping on board to be the first companies to offer the SIGNAL initiatives to patrons, it’s an exciting start to the programme.

SIGNAL has been implemented as part of THE EDGE’ commitment to provide opportunities for everyone in Auckland to access high quality performing arts events. While these two performances of The Brothers Size and Miss Saigon are the first to be confirmed, the programme will be ongoing and will continue to expand.

“Here at THE EDGE we are all about trying to provide great experiences for as many audience members as possible. We’re thrilled to be launching this programme which means we will be welcoming a whole new group of enthusiastic theatre goers into our venues” says Bronwyn.

The first performance in the SIGNAL programme is a Sign Language Interpreted performance for people who are deaf or hearing impaired of Silo Theatre’s The Brothers Size. The public performance on Wednesday 1 June will include a trained interpreter situated to the side of the stage, who will interpret the script during the performance using New Zealand Sign Language.

The second SIGNAL performance in June is an Audio Described Performance of Miss Saigon by North Shore Musical Theatre on June 7.

Audio description captures the visual elements of a performance that a blind or vision impaired person might otherwise miss, and describes it in clear and vivid language. Trained audio describers provide a live, objective and succinct description of the action and visual elements of the play, which is heard by participating patrons through an earpiece attached to a pocket-sized radio. Introductory notes are read prior to the performance; these include a description of set, props, costumes and characters. Touch Tours are also held before each Audio Described Performance where patrons will be able to walk through the set, touch set pieces, feel the costume textures and handle key props.

As offering both Sign Language Interpreted performances and Audio Described performances in one programme is a new initiative - not only for Auckland but also for New Zealand where only a handful of performances have occurred in the last couple of years - part of setting up the programme has been recruiting and training audio describers, as well as finding sign language interpreters who are able to handle the rigours of signing a performance. THE EDGE has amassed an amazing team of dedicated people from a variety of backgrounds, including actors, broadcasters and disability support workers to ensure they bring the performances to life for both hearing and vision impaired patrons.

“Committing to this programme has been a big investment by THE EDGE; not only financially but also in finding the right people to take this project into the future. This is just the beginning” says Bronwyn.

Sign Language Interpreted Performance
The Brothers Size, Wednesday 1 June, 8.00pm

Audio Described Performance

Miss Saigon, Tuesday 7 June, 7.30pm.

Further information: SIGNAL

For more information please contact Alex Ellis, Publicist, on 021 345 784 or alex@flaxworks.com