The producers of the hit Broadway show Finian's Rainbow have announced that ShowTrans, I-Caption, and D-Scriptive services have now been installed in the ST. James Theatre.
ShowTrans provides translating services to theatergoers in four languages: German, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish.
D-Scriptive is a revolutionary automated audio description system for blind and low vision theatergoers. During the performance, audience members hear a detailed description of all visual aspects of the production, including physical drama and humor, choreography, lighting, sets, and costumes. The theatre patron wears a tiny earphone in one ear, which is connected to a multi-channel receiver that picks up signals from the master system, through which they can hear the commentary throughout the show.
I-Caption is a state-of-the-art hand-held captioning system for deaf and hard of hearing theatergoers. Also automated, it receives the signal from the master system and displays verbatim texts of the entire show, including lyrics, announcements, and show information. It is timed perfectly to the show's cueing system, and adjusts itself according to any fluctuations in the performance. The captioning device, which is approximately the size of a small PDA, has an incredibly sharp screen which is visible only to the user, so as to avoid any distraction to neighbors. Even though the text keeps pace with the show, the user can scroll backwards at any time, to review previously displayed information.
These systems were designed and installed by Sound Associates.
Finian's Rainbow plays the ST. James Theatre, 246 West 44 Street. The performance schedule is Tuesday through Thursday at 7pm; Friday and Saturday at 8pm; with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm, and Sunday at 3pm. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.telecharge.com or by phoning 212.239.6200. For groups, phone 212.541.8457 or 1.800.BROADWAY. For more information about Finian's Rainbow, visit www.FiniansOnBroadway.com.
Photo Credit: Linda Lenzi
