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Graphic back view portrait of two young people looking at paintings and sharing audio guide while exploring modern art gallery exhibition

What We Offer

​ADTR offers a variety of training options for those interested in the art and science of Audio Description (AD). Our Director Colleen Connor is also involved in the AD community, and makes sure that ADTR is supportive and actively carrying out initiatives to forward the quality and expansion of culturally competent description around the world.

Curriculum

Fundamentals of Audio Description

  • Industry terminology and history of AD in context

  • Disability justice and understanding the audience

  • Thorough review of complex rules of AD

  • Introduction to the roles within theatrical, live, and pre-recorded media description

  • ADTR's Top Ten Tips highlighting how to organize and approach description projects

  • Prioritizing, timing and editing of primary/standard in-line description scripts

  • Emphasis on practice time—this is a craft learned by doing!

  • Feedback and critique from blind and sighted expert instructors and fellow participants

  • Admission to ADTR's network of graduates

  • Extensive resources for continuing education, career paths, and more!

  • An application process for a total of 8 students to ensure a committed and diverse group

  • An additional 8 spots available for observation of the course at a lower tuition rate in response to the worldwide need for training options

Advanced AD: Writing for the Screen

  • Prerequisite: Fundamentals of AD

  • Students bring short examples of their own description for presentation, discussion, and feedback 

  • Discussion of how to locate quality critique and the importance of consulting with the blind and low vision community

  • Addressing progression of representation, diversity and inclusion in professional AD

  • Exercises in expanding self-editing and quality control skills

  • Review and discuss example film and TV scripts

  • Writing both in-class and assigned scenes utilizing script templates and "real-life" guidelines

  • Orientation in space; in-person venues, VR, and video games

  • Grammar and genre-specific tips for avoiding traps and making AD language work smarter

  • Cinematic, theatrical, design, dance, and movement vocabulary resources. 

  • What to expect when working in AD for the screen; current and developing trends

  • Q&A including advice on resumes and job submissions

Advanced AD: Live & Theatrical Performance - Coming Soon

  • Prerequisite: Fundamentals of AD

  • Students present assigned pre-show examples for theatrical productions utilizing materials and templates provided

  • Live AD practice drills and collaborative exercises 

  • Discussing diversity and representation and how to promote culturally competent AD of events and individuals 

  • How to describe characters, costumes, props, sets, lighting, plots, program notes, venue features, and more

  • Practice in pre-show description writing and coordination with partnering primary / in real time describers 

  • Introduction to tactile / touch tours, docent audio scripts, and exhibition crossovers

  • Theatrical and movement vocabulary resources

  • Orientation in physical spaces;  assisting blind and low vision patrons with navigation as well as conveying key visuals logically ​

  • Tips for engaging with organizations, schools, theaters, or other venues when providing AD

Testimonials

I went from first hearing about AD to working in the field within months thanks to AD Training Retreats. The class size is perfect for individualized feedback, questions and input, as well as group conversation. Not only is it a wonderful opportunity to learn and practice the craft, but it’s a great networking resource as well. ADTR provides a comfortable, welcoming, enjoyable space to talk all things AD. I can’t recommend it enough.

Lori W, Levels 1 & 2, 2021-2022

The Advanced Writing for the Screen course was phenomenal!  Melissa and Colleen are so knowledgeable and open to sharing their expertise.  I love the way the class was structured - small enough so that everyone could fully participate, but large enough so that there were a variety of perspectives.  Every moment of class time was spent gaining valuable information to help participants gain confidence and the real world knowledge needed to take those first steps into becoming AD writers.  I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to develop their AD writing skills.

Judy A, Advanced AD: Writing For The Screen, 2023

Training with ADTR has changed and expanded my world - both in my career and as an artist. I've gained so many incredible skills in this program. I've also gained the confidence to pursue AD professionally and help heighten the quality of accessibility for art and entertainment.

Tess D, Levels 1 & 2, 2020-2022

A screenshot of an ADTR class held via ZOOM meeting, with the two instructors and seven participants smiling from all around the world.

Colleen Connor and Liz Gutman really know their stuff!  It was a genuine pleasure to learn from two highly knowledgeable professionals in the world of audio description.  As a former corporate training manager their program design was well defined and thoroughly developed with the learner in mind.   The handouts were informative and the class size of 8 was ideal to ensure ample practice time for each participant.  I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of audio description.

Deb D, Level 1, 2022

Colleen and I have shared the stage on numerous panels on Audio Description for film and TV.

Thanks to her years of coaching top performing AD professionals, and her ongoing pulse on the industry, her perspectives and understanding of AD are second to none, and she has a clear, inviting, and enjoyable way of sharing what works and what doesn’t in the industry.

Roy Samuelson, Audio Description and Vocal Talent Coach

The training retreat was a perfect blend of teaching, hands on practice, and collaboration. Pairing an instructor who provides Audio Description with an instructor who uses Audio Description made for a dynamic experience with multiple perspectives. I highly recommend this training to anyone interested in making media and performance more accessible.

Cheryl G, www.WhoAmIToStopIt.com Levels 1 & 2 In-Person Training, 2016-2017

The Audio Description Training Retreat (level 1) was amazing! It was literally everything I was looking for to jump into the world of Audio Description. The best part was how hands on the training was. Jan and Colleen provided lots of great background information and examples, but we also spent hours practicing the description and getting feedback right there on the spot. I left there confident I could do this! The retreat format was perfect, allowing us to focus on learning this new craft, but also providing time to recharge and get ready for the next lesson. And the food was delish! I can't wait for the next level.

Tammy G, Levels 1 & 2 In-Person Training, 2016-2017

3 ADTR students huddle together smiling in life jackets. The person on the left is a non-binary trans white individual with spiky brown hair, the woman in the middle is a petite white woman with sunglasses, and at right is a black woman with her natural curly hair pulled back in a ponytail.
A group of 8 diverse ADTR students, 2 instructors, and a dog posing for a photo together on a porch.
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