Captioning Awareness Week
Nearly one in five (18%) of UK adults are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing. Fewer than 1% is fluent in British Sign Language, this means captioned performances are vital for the 11 million who want to enjoy the arts like anyone else.
Nearly one in five (18%) of UK adults are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing. Fewer than 1% is fluent in British Sign Language, this means captioned performances are vital for the 11 million who want to enjoy the arts like anyone else.
Captions are similar to television subtitles, but with the actors’ words appearing on screens placed in the set (or the side of the stage) at the same time as they are spoken or sung.
Captioning Awareness Week is hosted by Stagetext. Despite an increase in demand for online performances, access remains patchy. According to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, 87% of people with hearing loss have attempted to watch a programme on-demand and found it had no subtitles.
How can I get involved?
Stage Text are hosting an exhibition and captioned shows in London. Can’t get to London? Scenesaver is the online hub where you can watch 120 captioned performances from offwestend and fringe theatres. Shows include; monologues, Shakespeare, and family shows for everyone to enjoy.
Share your experience of the show using the hashtag #CAW2021