Description Victoria
Description Training July 2017 – EOI information and FAQ
Description Victoria is partnering with Union House Theatre to deliver a 5 day introduction to Audio Description course in July 2017. This document gives information about description, the course, who it would suit, selection criteria and the pathways to practice.
What is Audio Description?
Description adds live or pre-recorded verbal information to performances, events, exhibitions, and moving images. Designed for people with vision impairments, this information is delivered through a variety of means that complement the work.
Describers come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines in art, performance and media, combining their own expertise with expert training in description. We have described for theatre shows, exhibitions, documentary videos, films, fireworks displays and live art experiences. Visual description can be adapted to any work in any medium.
Who is Description Victoria?
We are a creative enterprise that creates accessible and inclusive arts experiences for people who are Blind or have low vision. Description Victoria is led by professional describer Will McRostie and advised by an audience reference group of arts lovers who are blind or have low vision.
Will trained in 2013 with South Australia’s Access2Arts, and worked professionally with them on a diverse variety of shows, exhibitions and events before relocating to Melbourne in late 2015.
What are the outcomes of this training course?
At the end of the training, participants will:
- Have an understanding of the social model of disability and where Audio Description fits into the model as an assistive service for people who are blind or have low vision.
- Understand and demonstrate how to use language to describe objects, images and people in accordance with the conventions of Audio Description.
- Know the best-practice standards for Audio Description in theatre and performance.
- Understand and demonstrate proficiency in the secondary skills necessary to be a practicing audio describer.
What is the structure of this course?
Over five non-consecutive days, trainer Will McRostie will lead a series of theoretical discussions and practical exercises designed to build a practical knowledge of description and how it can be applied. Will will be joined by an assistant from the Blind/low vision community who will offer their perspective, experience, and expertise, and a few guest trainers on specific subjects like the social model of disability and human guide techniques.
The course will culminate in the opportunity to practice their new skills on a Union House Theatre production, and an assessment by trainers from Access2Arts.
Who would suit this course and who can apply?
This course is open to all University of Melbourne students, and is free of cost. It would best suit those who are studying in a creative field and are cultivating a creative practice.
A limited number of places are available and those interested are invited to submit a short Expression of Interest. The following characteristics will be strongly regarded in applicants:
– A strong command of English and an ability to wield it with clarity and precision.
– Experience in performance, media, or public speaking.
– Familiarity with and experience in an artistic field.
– Demonstrated interest or experience in disability equality, accessibility, and inclusion.
– Interest in and availability for further training and future work in description.
What pathways exist into practice following the course?
Trainees are encouraged to apply their new awareness and expertise into their future professional and creative practice, and will spend some time examining different models for integrating description into art.
Some trainees – subject to demand and the meeting of assessment standards – will be invited to become professional describers with Description Victoria, and have the opportunity to work with and within some of Victoria’s leading cultural institutions. This work will be gig-by-gig on a contract basis with Description Victoria, subject to demand.
Any questions?
Please feel free to contact Will McRostie, Director of Description Victoria, if you have any queries: