Job Location:
Oregon Headquarters (On Site)
15 S Pioneer St
Ashland, OR 97520, USA
Job Overview:
Audio Description provides an overview of the visual aspects of the performance prior to the start of the show, and carefully timed live narration of onstage action during the show. The Audio Describer is responsible for researching and writing pre-show narration, and for providing running commentary during the show for blind and visually impaired patrons.
Organizational Background:
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) was founded in 1935 in Ashland, OR, and has grown from a three-day festival of two plays to a nationally renowned theatre arts organization that presents a rotating repertory season of up to 10 plays and musicals, including illuminating interpretations of Shakespeare, other enduring classics, and new works.
Company Values:
- Commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
- Nurturing and supporting diverse, innovative talent.
- Belief in the transformational power of collaborative artmaking.
- Responsible stewardship of resources and sustainable practices.
- Engagement with and respect for the community.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Prepare pre-show narrative and audio description scripts.
- Attend show introductions, technical and dress rehearsals, and previews.
- Write a 10–15-minute pre-show narration that includes costume and set design descriptions, cast lists, and background information.
- Notate a full script with legible audio description information.
- Update audio description scripts as needed during the run of each show.
- Rehearse audio description with IDEA Manager or peer.
- Speak and enunciate clearly.
- Troubleshoot technical glitches.
- Set up and strike equipment prior to and after each performance.
- Assist patron seating and provide guidance for device usage.
- Check in with patrons during intermission and after the performance.
- Retrieve the delivery device at the end of the performance.
- Advocate for improvements by documenting technical issues.
- Enhance relationships among diverse groups.
- Interrupt behaviors that hinder diversity and inclusion efforts.
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
- Communicate with House staff regarding patron and device needs.
- Understudy other Audio Describers as needed.
- Attend scheduled meetings.
Requirements:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Work Experience: Strong writing and grammatical skills, significant attention to detail, and experience in public communication.
Physical Ability: Must access all levels of the theatre, lift and carry up to 30 pounds, and have the ability to see, hear, sit, and speak clearly.
Other Skills, Ability and/or Knowledge: Self-directed, ability to handle multiple tasks, problem-solving skills, knowledge of Word and Excel, excellent reading and editing skills, and ability to learn audio description equipment.
Preferred: Bachelor’s degree, background in theatre, prior training or experience in theatre audio description, understanding of communication with blind or visually impaired individuals, and bilingual skills.
Special Hours Requirements: Ability to work flexible shifts, maintain an open schedule for irregular hours.
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