The Washington Access Fund will award the Seattle Repertory Theatre its 2016 Best Practices Award at the WAF awards dinner on November 3, 2016 at Bell Harbor Conference Center.

The Rep has invested time, energy, and heart into making their performances extraordinarily accessible. This year, they raised funds for and installed a hearing loop for the Bagley Wright and Leo K Theatres. And that’s just the one star effort among the Rep’s many inclusive practices…

• Ticket booths, the refreshment area, and the concierge are also looped, so that patrons can hear clearly throughout the venue
• Each production includes an open-captioned performance
• Audio-described performances help people with reduced vision understand and enjoy the performance
• American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters translate dialogue for people who are deaf
•  Large-print programs are available
• Both theatres are fully accessible for people with mobility concerns
• Pay What You Can performances remove financial barriers

The Rep allowed us to work closely with them to ensure the loop works. Sound design is not always straightforward or easy, but the Rep listened to our feedback and continually modified the system. Composer Richard Einhorn, who has experienced hearing loss, consulted with the Rep to help perfect the sound. The loop earns raves from patrons, and some have told us they haven’t heard so clearly in years–or ever.

We were exceedingly pleased to nominate the Rep for this award. We watched them leaping over tall buildings and stop speeding bullets in order to make people with hearing loss feel included and welcome. And we do.

You’ll see us at the WAF awards. With bells on and much gratitude.