The New Victoria Theatre, Woking, is the first regional theatre in the country to trial the very latest in audio technology to help make theatre accessible to all.
ATG and Sennheiser are working in partnership to deliver this technology to theatregoers, which is also being trialled at ATG's Duke of York's Theatre in London with the hope it will be rolled out across ATG venues.
Sennheiser MobileConnect is a new technology for audio description and enhancement for the hard of hearing. The system uses wifi to deliver superior quality audio to a customer's smart device. If the customer doesn't have such a device, the theatre has equipment that can be loaned.
Mike Wright, chief electrician at the New Victoria Theatre, said of the new technology, "this will revolutionise our customers' enjoyment of the show. It is light years ahead of our old system and anything else out there in this market."
The Access Consultation Group was formed in 2007 to enhance the theatre and cinema-going enjoyment of those with disabilities and access needs. Input and advice from the group has resulted in many significant changes to the way the theatre and cinemas are run.
The Ambassadors, Woking produces an assisted performances information sheet which is currently sent out to over 100 local groups, organisations and individuals advising them of signed performances, touch tours, workshops, audio described performances and captioned performances.
To receive this information sheet free of charge, or to request further information about the Access Consultation Group, contact Louise Hornby, deputy marketing manager at the Ambassadors, Woking at [email protected].