Toronto Theatre Company Introduces Augmented Reality Glasses for Deaf Audience Members
Toronto Theatre Company Introduces Augmented Reality Glasses for Deaf Audience Members
Pleiades Theatre is breaking new ground in accessibility for d/Deaf audience members with the introduction of augmented reality (AR) glasses for every performance of their upcoming production, Tyson’s Song.
The world premiere of Tyson’s Song at Factor Theatre will feature AR glasses to provide a more immersive theatre experience for Deaf patrons. This initiative marks the first time a Toronto theatre has offered AR glasses at every performance of a production.
Artistic Executive Director of Pleiades Theatre, Ash Knight, expressed excitement about the opportunity to enhance Deaf access in Toronto. Traditionally, Deaf access in theatre has been limited to a few performances with ASL interpretation at the side of the stage. However, with the AR glasses, ASL interpretation will be available at every show during the four-week run of Tyson’s Song.
The theatre company is working with Deaf Community Consultant Gaitrie Persaud to ensure the success of this groundbreaking program. The AR glasses provide high-quality display and ergonomic design, with five pairs available at each performance.
Thanks to the support of the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund, Pleiades Theatre was able to invest in the hardware and processes necessary to acquire the AR glasses.
Tyson’s Song, written by Peter N. Bailey and directed by Ash Knight, explores the story of two Black men, Bryan and Tyson, as they navigate their friendship and confront issues of Black masculinity and mental health. The production will run from April 24 to May 19 at Factory Theatre, with tickets available on a pay-what-you-choose basis starting from $5.
Audience members interested in using the AR glasses can request them on a first-come, first-served basis when booking tickets at PleiadesTheatre.org or FactoryTheatre.ca. Don’t miss this groundbreaking production that is revolutionizing accessibility in Toronto theatre.
