AirScript is a hand-held device that provides theatregoers with
subtitles
Subtitles are texts representing the contents of the audio in a film, television show, opera or other audiovisual media. Subtitles might provide a transcription or translation of spoken dialogue. Although naming conventions can vary, caption ...
in a variety of languages. It was designed by Show Translations, a company that specializes in live entertainment translation, and built by
Cambridge Consultants
Cambridge Consultants, a part of Capgemini Invent, develops products and services, creates and licenses intellectual property, and provides business consultancy for clients. In 2021, Cambridge Consultants became part of Capgemini Invent.
The co ...
, a leading technology and product development firm.
The device was launched in November 2009 at the musical
Hairspray
Hairspray may refer to:
* Hair spray, a personal grooming product that keeps hair protected from humidity and wind
* Hairspray (1988 film), ''Hairspray'' (1988 film), a film by John Waters
** Hairspray (1988 soundtrack), ''Hairspray'' (1988 soundt ...
at London’s
Shaftesbury Theatre, where it received positive feedback from the audience and the press. Since then, it has been used in several other West End shows, such as
Les Misérables
''Les Misérables'' (, ) is a 19th-century French literature, French Epic (genre), epic historical fiction, historical novel by Victor Hugo, first published on 31 March 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. '' ...
,
The Phantom of the Opera The Phantom of the Opera may refer to:
Novel
* The Phantom of the Opera (novel), ''The Phantom of the Opera'' (novel), 1910 novel by Gaston Leroux
Characters
* Erik (The Phantom of the Opera), Erik (''The Phantom of the Opera''), the title char ...
, and
Wicked.
The AirScript device offers subtitles in eight languages: English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, and Japanese. The subtitles are synchronized with the audio and displayed on a small screen that can be adjusted for brightness and contrast. The device also has a headphone jack for users who prefer to listen to the translation.
The AirScript device was created to attract more tourists to theatres who may not understand the language of the play. It was also intended to benefit Deaf and hearing-impaired patrons who can use the device to read English subtitles.
The creators of AirScript had a vision of making theatre more accessible and inclusive for everyone, regardless of their linguistic or hearing abilities.
References
AIRSCRIPT: A THEATRICAL BABELFISH.
Stagecraft
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