The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham has announced the introduction of a cutting-edge hearing assistance system, funded by a generous £10,000 grant from the Barnwood Trust. This state-of-the-art technology aims to enhance the theatre experience for visitors who are visually impaired or hard of hearing, ensuring live performances remain accessible to all.
The new system, powered by Auracast™ broadcast audio technology, represents a significant advancement in assistive listening. Auracast™ enables direct, high-quality audio streaming to hearing aids, cochlear implants, earbuds, and smartphones, allowing audience members to connect to the theatre’s audio stream as easily as selecting a Wi-Fi network. This innovation reinforces the theatre’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
The Everyman Theatre hosts between six and seven audio-described performances each year for visually impaired patrons. The new hearing system will be used daily by hearing-impaired audiences who rely on an additional volume boost to fully enjoy performances. The installation of this system has been made possible thanks to the support of the Barnwood Trust, an organisation dedicated to funding initiatives that improve the lives of disabled people and those with mental health conditions in Gloucestershire.
The theatre also offers a variety of accessible options for selected performances, including Touch Tours, Audio-described performances, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted performances, Captioned Performances, and Relaxed Performances. These services have been described as life-changing by many audience members.
Francesca Goddard, Corporate Partnership Manager at the Everyman Theatre, said, “We regularly hear from patrons who tell us these services are life-changing. At a recent event, a guest shared that it was their first time back at the theatre since losing their sight, describing the experience as completely transformative for their wellbeing and social engagement. We thank the Barnwood Trust for their generous support for the new hearing system, meaning that we can continue to break down barriers and ensure live theatre is accessible to all.”
The Everyman Theatre invites all audience members to experience this exciting new development and enjoy live theatre without barriers. Whether using the latest hearing aid technology or a provided receiver, visitors can expect a clearer and more enjoyable experience that enhances their enjoyment of live performances.
More information can be found here.
