Portland Ovations is pleased to introduce Audio Description as an available Access service for select Ovations performances this season. This new service provides guests with a headset to wear for the duration of the performance, listening to a narrative that describes actions, characters, settings, and other visual details, making the performance more accessible for people who are blind or visually impaired.

This season, Audio Description is offered for the School-Time Performances of Con Alma y Fuego (October 30), Once Upon a Storytime with Lindz Amer (March 22), Kaki King & GLITCH present Bugs (April 12), and The Giver (May 25). Additional performances can include Audio Description upon request. Guests who would like to utilize the service should fill out the Access Service Request Form on the Portland Ovations website or note access needs when registering for tickets. When arriving at the venue, a check-in table is available in the lobby to be set up with a headset.

“Ovations strives to be a leader in this field within our state and are actively working each season to improve the scope and availability of our access services,” says Katelyn Manfre, Ovations Director of Community Programs & Partnerships, and Accessibility Coordinator “Our goal is to provide a welcoming and comfortable space for all patrons and take a proactive approach to ensure access and consistency across our many program sites. We can’t wait to welcome our community to this dynamic and joyful season!”

In addition to Audio Description, Portland Ovations provides the following Access services. Questions and additional service requests can be made at anytime by contacting Ovations’ Accessibility Coordinator, Katelyn Manfre at kmanfre@portlandovations.org.

American Sign Language Interpretation at select performances including Sasha Velour‘s TRAVESTY (September 25), Mystic Pizza (October 29), Hadestown (November 19), Waitress (January 13), Beetlejuice (February 25), Dog Man: The Musical (March 6) The Wiz (March 4), Once Upon a Storytime (School-Time Performance, March 22) and Jersey Boys (March 27). ASL interpretation is available upon request for all other events.

This season, Ovations is engaging a Director of Artistic Sign Language (known in the industry as a DASL) to work with interpreters at Broadway performances for a richer performance experience. This is becoming industry standard nationally, and we will be employing Maine-based experts in the field.

Assistive Listening Devices available at Merrill Auditorium, Westbrook Performing Arts Center, Hannaford Hall, and Crewe Center for the Arts.

Venue specific information including parking, building entry, ramps, elevators, seating details, and more can be found on the Portland Ovations website.

Large print programs are available at each performance and can be requested from a member of the house staff.

For all information regarding Accessibility Services, visit portlandovations.org/about/accessibility/