The Seattle Repertory Theatre and the 5th Avenue Theatre have infrared listening devices. To help improve the experience of the play and the audio description service, I have prepared some notes on how to use these devices. Here they are:
The Infrared listening devices is a small, plastic object shaped like a squared-off U that you will use to listen to the audio description in the theater. At the 5th Avenue Theatre, you will pick one up at the coat check counter on the auditorium side between aisle 3 and aisle 4, on the far end of the lobby away from the front doors. The theater requires that you turn over some ID in exchange for the device, which you will get back after the show.
Infrared listening devices pick up an invisible beam of light and convert it into sound. The infrared beam is not like radio. If something gets between the beam and the receiver, the signal gets blocked and the receiver squawks with static.
Infrared listening devices have just a few parts that you should be aware of:
1. The body is the thickest, heaviest part. On it are the ear pad arms, the on/off-volume wheel, the receiver bud, the channel selector, and the battery.
2. The ear pads are on two skinny arms coming up from each side of the body. Rubber pads on the ends fit into your ears.
3. The receiver bud is a small, round bump on the front of the body. It must always face forward, away from your body. This bud receives the infrared beam. If you hear any static, that means something is in the way of this bud. Be sure your hair or clothing is clear of the bud.
4. The On/Off-Volume Wheel is on the top edge of the body. Roll it with your finger to turn the device on and control the level of your sound. If you choose not to use the device, be sure to turn it off. If you drop it in your lap, it will squawk static and possibly disturb other patrons.
5. The Channel Selector is a tiny switch to the right on the body. It is set to pick up audio description on one channel--usually channel 2--and stage sound for hearing impaired people on the other. The middle setting puts audio description in one ear and stage sound in the other. You should have been given a device that is preset for you. You should not have to adjust the channel setting.
A preshow program comes over the device starting about ten minutes before the show. You can use that signal to check and adjust the listening device, and deal with any problems, well before the show starts.
What to do if you are having trouble:
If you are getting static, that means some physical object is blocking the signal. The device is not malfunctioning. Some people wear the device upside down on top of their heads to get a clear signal. As long as the receiver bud is facing forward, this works fine.
If you hear nothing at all, be sure the device is turned on and the volume is high enough for you to hear.
If you hear stage sound but no description, you are set to the wrong channel. Try to get help from the theater staff.
If you have tried all of these things and the unit still does not work for you, contact the theater staff for a replacement.
Once you are used to the way the listening devices work, you can expect to have a great time at the theater.