New York City is renowned for its exceptional theatre, musicals, and live performances on and off Broadway. Talented actors evoke a wide range of emotions – from laughter to tears – creating a sense of shared experience among the audience. However, what if English is not your first language?
According to the 2020 census, there are approximately 2.4 million people of Hispanic and Latino descent living in NYC, many of whom speak Spanish. That’s more than 28% of the city’s population. In the world of drama, is the actors’ body language enough to convey the full story when you don’t understand the onstage dialogue?
UP Theatre Company recently produced an inclusive theatre experience, offering their patrons the ability to listen to their performance of Lost Sock Laundry in Spanish while enjoying the onstage performance. Your theatre organization can provide the same accessibility services, let’s dive in on how to get this process started.
How can audiences enjoy live theatre performances in Spanish?
Providing Spanish-translated headsets allows your audience to enjoy live performances while listening along in their native language. At Inclusive Communication Services, we take the time to learn about your play’s message, inspiration, and roots so our interpreters can capture the heart of your art. Providing materials such as scripts, lyrics, and playbills is essential to this process.
On the day of your performance, patrons can pick up their headsets and find their seats. We also recommend making an announcement prior to the performance’s start that language accessibility options are available. Our inclusive team will ensure the technology is working correctly and will answer any questions patrons might have about the headsets.
How can I plan to make my theatre production accessible in Spanish?
The first step is to consider funding for accessibility. A common way to create resources is by applying for grants. Mark your calendars with the application deadlines for Grants for Arts Projects and the NYFA Recurring Grants. Depending on your exact location, additional local grants may be available and an asset to your organization.
In New York State, Governor Hochul announced $82 Million available for Artists, Arts, and Culture Organizations. Applications open Jun 5, 2024 and are due by Jul 17, 2024. Including an accessibility budget in your grant proposals truly fosters inclusivity of arts, culture, and creativity for ALL. At Inclusive Communication Services, we can help provide quotes for budgetary guidelines and advise on the language to use in your application process. Let’s talk about inclusion together.
What are the benefits of making theatre performances accessible in foreign languages?
It’s important to ensure that arts and culture is accessible to everyone. By offering interpreting services in different languages, theatre companies can attract a more diverse audience and create opportunities for collaboration with other cultures. These efforts can have a positive impact on your brand and contribute to making the world a more inclusive place.
Inclusive Communication Services also offers interpretation services in French, Mandarin, Ukrainian, Arabic, and Russian. Understanding your local community and emphasizing the cultural roots of your theater production is essential in determining which languages will best resonate with your target audience.
What are some other considerations in creating accessible theatre performances?
Planning and preparation are essential elements for an accessible theatre production that operates smoothly. Consider strategically scheduling the days to provide services in multiple languages. In addition, market and advertise on social media, via email, and on your website the dates of your accessible performances.
On the day of the performance, set a sign at the entrance of the theatre venue announcing the availability of the play in different languages. Assign a manager or designated onsite contact to help interpreters set up and coordinate with stage management to announce the availability of headsets.
In the vibrant world of New York theatre, language should never be a barrier to enjoying the magic of performance art. By embracing inclusivity and offering accessibility services in multiple languages, theater organizations like yours can open their doors to a wider audience, enriching the cultural landscape of the city.
