Combining Non-conventional and Conventional Audio Description Methods: The production of a theatre audio description for the play Fedoriam

Abstract

This thesis researches the use of conventional and non-conventional audio description methods in an amateur theatre play. Audio description refers to a service provided for Visually Impaired people where the audio describer verbally describes the visual aspects they see. Conventional audio description follows the conventions and guidelines set for audio description, and non-conventional audio description differs from those conventions.

The data for the thesis was gathered in an ethnographic method and consists of audio recordings, written questionnaire answers and an audio description script, as well as my own experiences and insights on working on the project. As the thesis was based on an ethnographic case study, its results cannot be duplicated. However, the results still reveal important new information on the methods that can be used to produce audio description, as well as how the conventions for audio description are followed.

The analysis of the data shows that the audio description production used both conventional and non-conventional audio description methods. While non-conventional methods were more commonly used in the project, the audio describers showed a clear preference for more conventional methods and adhered to them when possible. The non-conventional methods were often used either unintentionally or due to a necessity. When offered the chance, the audio describers typically reverted to conventional audio description methods, although with a few exceptions. The most visible non-conventional aspects of the audio description production process, namely that it was produced simultaneously and alongside the play and that it was delivered to the whole audience and not just those with visual impairments, were decided upon by someone other than the main audio describer team. These decisions were, however, received positively by the audio describers and in their experience the non-conventional aspects of the audio description made it more available and visible

The analysis suggests that while the audio describers preferred conventional audio description methods, they also found the non-conventional methods beneficial for the project and for making audio description more visible. Additionally, the audience feedback for the non-conventional audio description was resoundingly positive, which leads to the conclusion that non-conventional audio description solutions should be further researched. Based on this research the possibility of updating the current Finnish audio description guidelines to include more non-conventional audio description methods should also be considered.