Ford's Theatre to provide I-CAPTION

From: Ford's Theatre - Sep 28, 2005

FORD'S THEATRE TO PROVIDE
I-CAPTION HANDHELD CAPTIONING SYSTEM
for
DEAF & HARD OF HEARING PATRONS
at
Ken Ludwig's
LEADING LADIES
September 23 – October 23

Washington, DC--Ford's Theatre today announced that it will provide I-Caption devices during the run of Ken Ludwig's Leading Ladies (Sept. 23 – Oct. 23) that will enable Deaf and hard of hearing patrons to follow the onstage dialogue. Ford's first utilized I-Caption technology during last season's successful run of Big River: The Adventures of Big River, which included Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing cast members.

"The Washington area is the home of the nation's largest Deaf and hard of hearing community," said Ford's Producing Director Paul R. Tetreault. "I-Caption technology will allow us to better serve this enthusiastic group of theatre goers who usually are able to enjoy only a few signed or audio-described performances of each production. During the run of Big River, we noticed a marked increase in the number of Deaf and hard of hearing patrons and volunteers who attended performances at Ford's. We want to continue to make theatre more accessible to this vibrant population," said Tetreault.

Ford's Theatre will lease the I-Caption devices during the four-week run of Leading Ladies. The theatre is seeking funding to continue to provide the service throughout the season. I-Caption technology is the latest innovation in assistive technology from soundassociates.com.

The I-Caption system features a proprietary handheld unit that displays the text of the entire show verbatim, in real time from any seat in the house. The text is automated and synchronized with sound and lighting cues to accommodate pacing variations from performance to performance. A polarized screen keeps nearby patrons from being distracted by light or moving text. The system made its debut in Deaf West's production of Big River on Broadway and was available for all performances of the national touring companies.

Ford's patrons can obtain an I-Caption unit, free of charge, from house management.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Joyce M. Patterson
Director of Public Relations
Ford's Theatre
Phone: 202 638-0896
jpatterson@fordstheatre.org