Going to the theatre should be enjoyable, but for many people who are deaf or have hearing loss, following dialogue from a stage can be difficult.
We believe everyone should be able to enjoy the full experience of a live performance. That’s why we have created a new Auracast for Theatres playbook, supported by GN Hearing, to help theatres install Auracast and be more deaf aware.
What is Auracast?
Auracast is a Bluetooth audio broadcasting technology. It enables venues to send audio directly to compatible hearing aids, hearing implants, earbuds, headphones, and standalone receivers with neckloops.
How Auracast can improve your experience of live performances
Auracast enables venues to broadcast high-quality audio directly to your hearing device. This means clearer dialogue and sound during live performances.
You can also have more choice of where to sit, as Auracast when installed according to our recommendations, can cover an entire venue, giving you more flexibility to enjoy the performance with your friends and family.
Finally, if you have multiple support needs, Auracast has the potential to support multiple access needs at the same time. Such as audio description and translation.
I enjoy it [using Auracast at the theatre] much more than I thought I was going to be able to. I can only think back to when I previously went to the theatre, which was probably 15 years earlier than that. And it was a struggle.
It was Mamma Mia, so I knew the songs, but I didn’t hear the words that were said. So yeah, it’s much better now than it was back then for me.”
– Person with hearing loss, using hearing aids
How can I use Auracast in a theatre?
There are several ways you can access Auracast in the theatre.
If you already have an Auracast-enabled hearing device, you can use an app on your smartphone to connect to an Auracast signal.
If you have a telecoil-enabled hearing device, many venues can lend you a standalone receiver with a neckloop. You wear the neckloop like a lanyard around your neck, creating a personal hearing loop.
If your hearing device does not have Auracast or telecoil, you can also try wearing cushioned ‘over-the-ear’ headphones over your hearing aids or sound processor. Some people love listening this way, but others find it uncomfortable and it can cause hearing devices to feedback (whistle).
You can check if your device has Auracast or a telecoil by speaking with your audiologist or using the Connevans tool.
What is the new Auracast for Theatres playbook?
Built on research and lived experience, the Auracast for Theatres playbook helps venues remove barriers that can prevent people who are deaf or have hearing loss from fully enjoying a live performance.
It provides practical guidance on planning, installing, operating, and promoting Auracast broadcast audio to improve access to sound and greater choice for audiences.
The guidance shows that meaningful access combines technology, people, and communication.
Theatres have a real opportunity to improve accessibility and emerging technologies like Auracast can make a big difference. We hope the playbook gives theatres the confidence and practical support they need to make it easier for everyone to enjoy the magic of live performance.”
– Victoria Boelman, Director of Insight and Policy, RNID
This playbook is grounded in independent research and the real experiences of theatre customers and venue teams. It gives venues practical guidance to help them move beyond minimum provision and create welcoming, reliable experiences that will have audiences coming back time and time again.”
– Alastair Moore, Technical Lead, RNID
Try Auracast at a theatre
Interest from audience members matters. By asking venues about Auracast, you can help raise awareness of the technology and encourage theatres to make performances more accessible.
Find some places that have Auracast on this Google map.