Signature Theatre

Testing of App for Hearing Impaired Begins

Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, has announced a new partnership with GalaPro, a first-of-its-kind mobile app that allows patrons to use closed captioning in real time during live performances. Patrons who use captions will be able to access them on-demand through their phone at any mainstage production with this app made specifically for theatergoers. It uses red or gray fonts for the type on a black screen that is visible to the individual with no bright lights emanating from the phone.

Signature Theatre will begin testing the program starting with Grand Hotel in April 2019. "We are thrilled to implement the GalaPro system into our mainstage productions as we continue to grow our accessibility options and offer the best possible experience for our patrons," Signature Theatre Managing Director Maggie Boland said in a press release. "GalaPro is a groundbreaking technology in terms of accessibility, and we hope to offer even more opportunities with the GalaPro system as we move into the future."

The GalaPro technology has been adopted in the majority of Broadway theaters. With GalaPro's available features, Signature patrons will be able to understand and enjoy the show no matter which performance they attend or where they are seated.

GalaPro also provides on-demand audio description for patrons who have visual impairments. Signature plans to implement this service in a second phase. For now, audio description is provided upon request by calling the box office at 703-820-9771.

In addition to providing GalaPro, Signature also offers American Sign Language interpretation and open captioning as well as audio description upon request for patrons who have a visual impairment. For more information about accessibility at Signature, visit the theater's Accessibility Page (https://www.sigtheatre.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility/). For Signature's video announcement of GalaPro, click here.

GalaPro is funded in part by the Philip L. Graham Fund and the Macfarlan Family, in honor of Winnie Macfarlan.

March 6, 2019

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