Catching a holiday classic in a local theatre may be a favourite December tradition for many, but for those who are blind and visually impaired, it could be a discouraging experience.
Hoping to change this is Vancouver-based VocalEye, a non-profit and the first live descriptive arts service for the blind in Canada. In Richmond this month, VocalEye will help the sights of Gateway Theatre’s Christmas production come to life for people with vision loss.
During two productions of It’s a Wonderful Life, a VocalEye “describer” will be on site during the performance. For no additional fee, people with vision loss can go to the theatre — with a free ticket for a companion — pick up an FM receiver in the lobby and enjoy the show.