Dallas Children's Theater Amps Up Inclusion with New Assistive Listening Devices

Building on the now nationally-recognized inclusion initiatives, Dallas Children's Theater (DCT) is excited to roll out the offering of Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) for shows in the Baker Theater, thanks to generous support from The Crystal Charity Ball. This new offering begins during the run of DCT's first show of 2018: THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW, a Southwest premiere produced in association with Rockefeller Productions, which opens today.

The professional-grade, easy-to-use ALDs make it convenient and comfortable for patrons who would like some amplification of the dialogue, music, and additional sound effects of DCT shows.

"We know that some audience members need help to hear all of the wonderful sounds of a live DCT show. Now they can use the Assistive Listening Devices for any show in the beautiful Baker Theater. No one needs to miss a beat or feel left out," said Nancy Schaeffer, Associate Artistic Director and Education Director.

Patrons can use one of DCT's ALDs by visiting the Box Office. The ALDs can be used with the provided earbuds, a neckloop telecoil coupler (which allows ALDs to connect to a patron's telecoil-equipped hearing aid), or even personal headphones. Following the protocol typically used by other theaters, DCT's friendly, helpful Box Office staff will give a brief tutorial to the patron about using the device and will hold onto their driver's license until the unit is returned after the show. To allow sufficient time for ALD set up and a comfortable seating and listening experience, DCT asks patrons to make every possible effort to see the Box Office 30 minutes in advance of the show start.

The availability of ALDs is yet another component of DCT's longtime and ever-expanding inclusion initiatives to make sure all children and families in our community have every chance to enjoy high-quality live theater experiences.

DCT has been offering American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted performances since the very beginning. Then, in 2014, with generous support from The Crystal Charity Ball, DCT launched its sensory-friendly programming, which has expanded in the past few years to include at least seven performances per season as well as theater classes for children with sensory processing differences.

"All are welcome, so we hope to see everyone soon at the theater!" said Schaeffer.

Dallas Children's Theater features professional actors performing for an annual audience of 250,000 young people and their families through mainstage productions (11 in the 2017-18 season), a national -touring company, and an arts-in-education program. As the only major organization in Dallas focusing solely on youth and family theater, DCT builds bridges of understanding between generations and cultures, instilling an early appreciation of literature, art, and the performing arts in tomorrow's artists and patrons.

Photo credit: Rachel Wells

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