Everyman Theatre Offer Handheld Closed Captioning Devices at Every Performance

Everyman Theatre has announced that beginning with its upcoming production of Nina Raine's award-winning play Tribes, audience members will have the ability to use personal handheld closed captioning devices during every performance. An early adopter of the new technology, Everyman is proud to be among the first theatres in the country to offer this option to its audiences for every performance. The announcement of the new technology supports Everyman's mission to make theatre accessible to everyone.

"We are committed to embodying the promise of our name - Everyman Theatre," said Founding Artistic Director Vincent Lancisi. "We strive to allow everyone to be able to experience live theatre at anytime. By taking this leap and becoming an early adopter of this new technology, we celebrate a milestone of growth as an organization. For the first time - long overdue - we are able to invest in technology that says to the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities: 'We value you and we want you to be a part of the Everyman family.' Tribes is the perfect show to introduce the mid-Atlantic to this incredible technology and we are proud to be among the first regional theatres to offer this to audiences."

The theatre will offer patrons complimentary iPod Touches with the closed-captioning software installed on the device. When the show begins, the dialogue will appear in text form on the screen of the device. Much like a light or sound board operator, the captioning will also have an operator who is advancing the text forward so it matches the action exactly to what is happening on the stage. There is also an app available for patrons to download and use on all Apple devices. An Android app is being developed and tested, as well.

To improve the user's experience, the theatre will also offer an optional, complimentary adjustable seat-mount to hold the iPod comfortably in front of the patron's seat so they don't have to hold it themselves throughout the duration of the show. Special filter screens have also been installed on the devices so those sitting nearby will not be see the light from the iPod's screen.

Visit www.everymantheatre.org/productions/tribes for a special behind-the-scenes video that includes a demonstration of the captioning devices.

Tribes is the hysterical and touching coming-of-age story about a young deaf man and his struggle for self-identity within a hearing family. The show begins performances on May 28th and will run through June 22nd.

In addition to the closed captioning being available at all performances, the theatre is also offering five ASL interpreted performances of the production. Complimentary assistive listening devices are also available at the theatre for all performances.

The theatre company has partnered with Tim McCarty, Artistic Director of Quest Visual Theatre, to serve as the production's Director of Access. Willy Conley, former chairperson of the theatre arts department at Gallaudet University, is serving as the production's Director of Artistic Sign Language. Together, these production staff members have shared best practices for integrating deaf and hard-of-hearing actors into its production process and assisted Everyman as it expands its accessible performances and events for the production of Tribes.

Everyman Theatre is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. An agency of the Department of Business & Economic Development, the MSAC provides financial support and technical assistance to non-profit organizations, units of government, colleges and universities for arts activities. Funding for the Maryland State Arts Council is also provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

Everyman Theatre is a member of the Bromo Tower Arts and Entertainment District.

Everyman Theatre is proud to partner with University of Maryland Medical Center as the Season Sponsor and WYPR 88.1-FM as the Season Media Sponsor. Vic and Nancy Romita are the production sponsors and City Paper is the production's media sponsor.

Everyman Theatre is a professional Equity theatre company celebrating the actor, with a resident company of artists from the Baltimore/DC area. Founded in 1990 by Vincent Lancisi, the theatre is dedicated to engaging the audience through a shared experience between actor and audience seeking connection and emotional truth in performance. Everyman is committed to presenting high quality plays that are affordable and accessible to everyone

Vincent Lancisi is the Artistic Director of Everyman Theatre; Ian Tresselt is the Managing Director.

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