HAI's Describe! program provides blind and visually impaired theatergoers with live audio description at Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. Through the years, Describe! has audio described long-running favorites like AIDA, Beauty & the Beast, Lion King and Cabaret.

To attend a performance or to be a volunteer audio describer please contact Tricia Hennessey at (212) 575-7663 or THennessey@hospaud.org.

How Describe! works:

“Live Audio Description,” is the process whereby a specially trained HAI describer transmits description of the physical action on stage, during pauses in the dialogue. The describer uses a headset microphone; program participants listen to the description through a receiver with a single earpiece. The describer is located in the balcony or other area with a view of the stage, and the audience member can sit anywhere in the audience.

HAI provides “Program Notes” prior to the show which can be done live, or pre-recorded on cassette. “Program Notes” give blind and visually impaired theatergoers the overall description of the sets, characters, and costumes, as well as the theater itself, which helps create a visual picture in their minds that they can use to achieve a better understanding of the play. Pre-recorded cassettes are available for shows that we describe on a recurring basis. Cassettes for these shows are mailed to the theatergoers before the performance.

How Describe! works:

“Live Audio Description,” is the process whereby a specially trained HAI describer transmits description of the physical action on stage, during pauses in the dialogue. The describer uses a headset microphone; program participants listen to the description through a receiver with a single earpiece. The describer is located in the balcony or other area with a view of the stage, and the audience member can sit anywhere in the audience.

HAI provides “Program Notes” prior to the show which can be done live, or pre-recorded on cassette. “Program Notes” give blind and visually impaired theatergoers the overall description of the sets, characters, and costumes, as well as the theater itself, which helps create a visual picture in their minds that they can use to achieve a better understanding of the play. Pre-recorded cassettes are available for shows that we describe on a recurring basis. Cassettes for these shows are mailed to the theatergoers before the performance.