Orbital Sound Ltd

Orbital supply Vocaleyes

- working to make Theatre accessible to the Blind-

Lucinda Harvey, Director of VOCALEYES, explained that: "The very nature of audio-description requires vocal precision: the quality of the audio equipment is vital to ensure that the description is delivered clearly, without distortion. Orbital maintain our equipment to the highest standards, offering their expertise in some acoustically challenging auditoriums to achieve the best possible sound quality, often meeting tight production deadlines, across the country".

The VOCALEYES system was experimentally enhanced during a performance of BLAST! at the Hammersmith Apollo Theatre, with the addition of a specially configured BSS SW9088MM Soundweb Module.

The set up was devised and adjusted by Orbital's sound designer Simon Whitehorn, with the aim of improving the intelligibility of the audio description in the context of a loud show with a wide dynamic range. The system was customised in software, with the primary objective of providing automatic level control of the audio description fed to the infra-red transmission system. This was to ensure that the description heard in the patrons headsets was not drowned out in particularly loud parts of the show. The control signal was derived from the system show relay microphone, located in the auditorium.

Employing London-based Orbital Sound as their exclusive suppliers of pro-audio equipment, VOCALEYES brings a visual experience via audio description, to sight impaired individuals; so that they too can enjoy Theatre and Musical productions to the full.

Audio description is a method whereby a live description of the performance is relayed via headphones to any blind or partially sighted member of the audience.

VOCALEYES, a registered charity, employs fully-trained "describers" to prepare and perform a script commenting on the set, costumes, movement, and the body language and facial expressions of the actors , thereby capturing the visual elements on-stage in a script which is delivered live.

VOCALEYES is the first and only organisation to audio-describe touring theatre productions. In line with the new policies drawn out by the Disability Discrimination Act, to facilitate a means for the art of live performance, in public venues, to be accessible to the partially sighted. By Summer 2000 VOCALEYES will have provided their service to 40 Theatres nationwide, all of which will be supplied by Orbital.

Denise Evans, RNIB's Talking Images Manager, experienced Dick Whittington: London's Musical, at Sadlers Wells through the Orbital system. Evans explained that: "the service Vocaleyes offers is essential for blind and partially sighted people. Without audio description, they would be excluded from enjoying the full experience of Theatre. Thanks to the new legislation ,which provides for the improved services for the disabled in public places, we hope that more Theatres will recognise the combined benefits of working with VOCALEYES and Orbital.

VOCALEYES and Orbital also supplied BLAST! at London's Hammersmith Apollo. The show, being so visually dynamic, colourful and fast moving was a challenge to describe, but the effects were extremely rewarding. William Thoms, one of the audience and a fan of musical productions, explained that without the audio description:

"I would never have realised the movements of the cast or the colours on stage, it transformed my experience of the show.

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Lucinda Harvey, Director of VOCALEYES, explained that: "The very nature of audio-description requires vocal precision: the quality of the audio equipment is vital to ensure that the description is delivered clearly, without distortion. Orbital maintain our equipment to the highest standards, offering their expertise in some acoustically challenging auditoriums to achieve the best possible sound quality, often meeting tight production deadlines, across the country".

The VOCALEYES system was experimentally enhanced during a performance of BLAST! at the Hammersmith Apollo Theatre, with the addition of a specially configured BSS SW9088MM Soundweb Module.

The set up was devised and adjusted by Orbital's sound designer Simon Whitehorn, with the aim of improving the intelligibility of the audio description in the context of a loud show with a wide dynamic range. The system was customised in software, with the primary objective of providing automatic level control of the audio description fed to the infra-red transmission system. This was to ensure that the description heard in the patrons headsets was not drowned out in particularly loud parts of the show. The control signal was derived from the system show relay microphone, located in the auditorium.