WICKED SF Offers New State-Of-The-Art Captioning and Translation Services

The San Francisco company of WICKED is now offering D-Scriptive, I-Caption and ShowTrans, new state-of-the-art customer services that provides scene-by-scene dialogue and commentary of the production for hearing challenged patrons (I-Caption), sight challenged patrons (D-Scriptive) and translations for non-English speakers (ShowTrans) in Spanish, Japanese, French and Portuguese. D-Scriptive, I-Caption and ShowTrans are now available at all performances for the open-ended engagement of WICKED currently playing in San Francisco at the Orpheum Theatre.

More than a word-for-word translation, these three services give patrons the actual dialogue, as well as continual plot and descriptive information that enable them to follow the action, intention, humor and emotion of the show.

D-Scriptive and I-Caption are available for the hearing and sight challenged free-of-charge. ShowTrans multi-language commentary may be rented for $10 per ear receiver, cash only.

All devices are available in the Orpheum Theatre lobby prior to all performances on a first come, first served basis. For additional information, please visit www.shnsf.com, click on ticket info and ADA info.

These new programs are created and serviced by Sound Associates, and sponsored in part by the National Institute for Special Need Audiences, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to using technology to make theatre accessible for those who may otherwise not be able to enjoy it. The proceeds help to fund programs for the blind, the deaf and the hearing impaired.

D-Scriptive, I-Caption and Showtrans were originally introduced in New York, and are currently available at the Broadway productions of WICKED, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and Mamma Mia!

How the technology works:

The precise timing of the commentary to the action of the show is critical. D-Scriptive, I-Caption and ShowTrans are integrated into the show's cueing system so that the commentary keeps pace with the action onstage. Even if there are greatly varying factors in the performance, the system does not miss a beat, and will always find its exact spot in the show.

When using Showtrans, a signal is transmitted, via either light wave or radio wave, to a multi-channel receiver that has been tuned to the desired language. The theatre patron wears a tiny earphone in one ear through which they can hear the commentary throughout the show.

D-Scriptive is an automated system for the sight-challenged that works by exactly the same process and is controlled by the same master system. During the show, the blind or sight-impaired audience member hears a detailed description of all the visual aspects of the production, including choreography, lighting, sets and costumes. It too is timed perfectly to the show's cueing system, and adjusts itself according to any fluctuations in the performance.

I-Caption is a hand-held captioning system for the deaf and severely hearing-impaired theatergoer, and is the newest and latest development offered as part of these special services. Also automated, it receives the signal from the master system and displays verbatim texts of the entire show, including lyrics, announcements and show information.

The captioning device is approximately the size of a small PDA. The incredibly sharp screen is not visible to anyone not directly in front of the device, 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.

A non-profit organization, NISNA is combining theatrical tradition with the latest in assistive technology from Sound Associates, to help diversify the audience for live theatre in the 21st Century. NISNA funds the development of state-of-the-art communication tools for such special theatergoers as the blind, deaf, non-English speaking, and the senior citizen.

Carl Tramon, Director of Special Services for Sound Associates on Broadway, said, "Every time I see the emotional reaction of someone benefiting from one of our services, it makes me realize how much we take for granted, and how important it is that we persist in the development and application of such services. As we evolve, technology expands our potential. The services are like having a friend next to you whispering in your ear, and giving you what you need; except now the friend is freed up to watch and enjoy the show with you."

San Francisco audiences and critics alike feel a special connection with WICKED, which had its world premiere at San Francisco's Curran Theatre on May 28, 2003. This engagement followed a long development process during which the entire creative team and cast immersed themselves in the musical's launch at the Curran Theatre. From these roots in the city by the bay, WICKED has gone on to become a worldwide phenomenon that has since redefined theatrical popular culture.

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman. It is directed by Joe Mantello, with musical staging by Wayne Cilento. WICKED is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

WICKED is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.

Tickets for the open-ended engagement of WICKED are on sale and range in price from $30 to $99. Tickets can be purchased online at shnsf.com and ticketmaster.com/wicked, through Ticketmaster Charge-By-Phone 415- 512-7770 and 800-982-2787, at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers and at the Orpheum Theatre Box Office (1192 Market at 8th St., Mon-Sat 10am - 6pm). Premium packages are also available for all performances. Groups of 20 or more may order by calling Group Sales at (415) 551-2020.

WICKED continues its open ended run with this PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:

Tuesday - Saturday evenings at 8pm
Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2pm
Wednesday matinees at 2pm only through May
Beginning May 24, Sunday evenings at 7:30pm
Special schedule notes:
Added Performances: Monday evening, June 22 at 8pm, Wednesday matinee June 24 at 2pm
No Performance: Sunday, June 28

For more information about the ongoing run of WICKED at the Orpheum Theatre, please visit www.shnsf.com.

Photo by Joan Marcus

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