What Makes Our Trainings Unique?
Our Audio Description trainings are currently being held virtually. Each course includes 20+ hours of formal class time with training relevant to Audio Description of live theatre, TV, film, and more. We limit our student group to no more than 8 participants to ensure individual attention from instructors and generous practice time.
The instructors offer feedback and critique as both professionals in the industry and patrons of Audio Description. ADTR’s Director, Colleen Connor, is a blind professional herself and actively involved in the AD community. As the co-teacher of every class, Colleen brings a unique perspective and provides valuable feedback, guidance, and advice. Our retreat-based design encourages group discussion, collaboration, and networking. Each training will always include a focus on diversity, inclusion, and de-mystifying the lives of those with blindness.
Curriculum
Level One
Introduction to Audio Description
-
History of Audio Description and future trends
-
Disability awareness and understanding the audience
-
Thorough review of complex rules of Audio Description
-
Introduction to the roles within theatrical, live, and pre-recorded media description
-
ADTR's Top Ten Tips highlighting how to organize and approach description
-
Organization, timing and editing of primary Audio Description
-
Emphasis on practice time—this is an art/science learned by doing!
-
Feedback and critique from instructors (blind and sighted) as well as peers
-
Admission to ADTR's network of graduates
-
Extensive resources for continuing education, career paths, and more!
Level Two
Writing For The Screen
-
Prerequisite: ADTR Level One
-
Students bring short example of AD for presentation, discussion, and feedback
-
How to locate quality critique and the importance of consulting with the blind and low vision community
-
Addressing progression of diversity and inclusion in AD
-
Self-editing and quality control of AD
-
How to give and receive constructive feedback
-
Pre-show and extended description writing
-
Cinematic, theatrical, design, dance, and movement vocabulary
-
Review and discuss example film and TV scripts
-
Writing for orientation in space; in-person venues, sets, VR, and video games
-
Grammar and genre-specific tips for avoiding traps and making AD language work smarter
-
What to expect when working in AD for the screen
Level Two
Enhancing Live and Theatrical AD
-
Prerequisite: ADTR Level One
-
Students present examples and resumé items for presentation, discussion, and feedback
-
How to survey audience members for feedback and the importance of consulting with the blind and low vision community
-
Discussing diversity and representation in AD of the arts and its trends
-
How to give and receive constructive feedback
-
Practice in pre-show description writing of stage, setting, characters, costumes, props, and more
-
Instruction in leading tactile tours in theaters and museums
-
Audio Description of art, dance, and installations/exhibitions
-
Theatrical, dance, and cinematic vocabulary
-
Orientation & Mobility, and describing locations to blind patrons and audiences
-
Purchasing and using Audio Description equipment
-
How to get started in your community and mentoring
In Development
Director Colleen Connor is excited to be innovating and integrating new ideas into the ADTR schedule. ADTR network members have several things to look forward to as job opportunities increase and AD certification draws nearer!
-
A training specifically designed for blind and low vision professionals in the AD industry
-
A ‘mics on’ training for Voice Artists recording AD—a collaboration with advocate and AD enthusiast Roy Samuelson.
-
Webinars featuring experts in all aspects of accessibility that parallel or accompany audio description
In-Person Retreats
Due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, our in-person retreats have been postponed until further notice.
Our in-person Audio Description trainings are held in a natural setting where students and teachers share meals and living space. These retreats provide the same curriculum as the virtual trainings, with additional networking, socialization, and enrichment. We plan to resume our in-person retreats when it is safe to do so.
