Scroll down for a complete list of Accessibility Accommodations at the CATA Annual Performance!
Live open captioning runs throughout the show
What does it mean for a performance to center the lived experiences of artists with disabilities? What does it look like, sound like, and feel like in a theater when every performer has the opportunity to shine and every audience member is able to fully access the artistry on stage?
“The CATA Annual Performance is different — by design,” says Kelly Galvin, CATA Program Director and director of the annual performance. “Audiences are invited to enter a theatrical world where artists with developmental and intellectual disabilities have the spotlight and where accessibility and artistry are intertwined.”
“A key part of CATA’s new strategic plan is to expand accessibility and provide state-of-the-art adaptive features and practices across all of our programs,” says Margaret Keller, CATA Executive Director. “This year’s CATA Annual Performance is a unique opportunity for audiences to experience accessibility in action — in ways you might not have before!”Leading up to the show, CATA artists visit the theater as paid user experts, providing valuable feedback that shapes accessibility accommodations for the cast and crew, including those who are blind or have low vision, or who use a wheelchair or a mobility device.
CATA artist Scott (left) provides feedback as a paid user expert to improve accessibility on- and backstage.
Audiences can expect our performance to include American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation as well as Live Open Captioning displayed on a large screen above the stage. Audience members can also request Audio Description headphones to listen to live narration of the action — CATA is the first organization in the Berkshires to provide this accessibility feature at performances!
Jenn Vorce provides ASL interpretation at every performance
Paula Boyajian (CATA Faculty) provides live audio description from the sound booth. Audience members can request free headphones to listen.
Accessibility will be woven into CATA’s show in ways that some people may not have encountered before:
• Adaptive set design features colorful stage borders, created by CATA artists, that creatively define edges of the stage for performers who are blind, low-vision, or who use a mobility device.
• You’ll also notice artists using an adaptive “Feeding In” technique, where they receive prompts for their lines from CATA faculty, allowing them to focus on character and expression rather than memorization.
• And you’ll notice CATA artists seated on stage— and longer transitions between scenes that are beautifully choreographed to make entrances and exits safer.
Roman uses a “feeding in” technique, receiving prompts from CATA faculty Diane Prusha. This technique allows CATA artists to focus on character and expression rather than memorization.
Visit CATA’s Accessibility Table in the theater lobby and you’ll find friendly CATA artist Ambassadors handing out large print programs, Braille programs, noise canceling headphones, and sensory tools including fidgets for audience members with autism.
Your Quick Guide to Accessibility at the CATA Annual Performance:
• American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation
• Assistive Listening Devices (ALD’s)
• Audio Description
• Braille Programs & Large Print Programs
• Noise Canceling Headphones
• Open-Captioning
• Fidgets and other sensory tools
• Spanish Language Programs
• Wheelchair accessible seating and restrooms
If you or someone you know would like to reserve an accessibility tool in advance, or if you have questions about accommodations, call CATA at 413-528-5485 or email Jeff Gagnon (Accessibility Coordinator) at Jeff@CATAarts.org. You can also visit our Accessibility Table in the lobby during the Gala & Matinee!
Don’t miss out on your chance to see the CATA Annual Performance on May 11 at Shakespeare & Company. Click here to purchase tickets for the Sunday Matinee.
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