Chatterbox Audio Theater and Theatre Memphis Launch 'Audio Theater for the Visually Impaired Performance Series'

Chatterbox Audio Theater will collaborate with Theatre Memphis and the Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired to present a performance series of Audio Theater for the Visually Impaired. "Audio Theater for the Visually Impaired Performance Series" is made possible through a generous Arts Education and Outreach grant from ArtsMemphis and the series will consist of live performances of classic radio plays presented exclusively for the clients at Clovernook.

Held monthly from September through December, the Audio Theater for the Visually Impaired performance series seeks to provide an entertaining, enriching theatrical experience for people whose visual impairments make traditional theatergoing difficult. Aletta Roebuck, Clovernook's Orientation & Mobility Specialist, reports that while a few of Clovernook's clients may have attended plays before their sight deteriorated, few if any do so currently. A much larger percentage of Clovernook clients have never attended a play in their lives.

The collaboration finds Chatterbox providing scripts, microphones, speakers, and other technical elements, as well the equipment needed to perform live sound effects. Theatre Memphis will provide performers, primarily from their outreach and education department, ShoWagon. Theatre Memphis Executive Producer Debbie Litch welcomes collaborations such as this project. She feels, "To make the most of the arts we all have to work together. Support each other. We are thrilled to be a part of this community endeavor and partner with Chatterbox." Clovernook will provide the venue and the audiences."It's something I've wanted to do since we started Chatterbox," says Robert Arnold, Executive Director of Chatterbox Audio Theater. "Because we tell stories using only sound, visual impairments are no barrier to enjoying our shows. We're grateful to ArtsMemphis and the Assisi Foundation for making this exciting collaboration possible." The performance series will offer a survey of classic radio performances, including episodes of "Suspense," "Adventures of the Thin Man," and "Escape," as well as a Christmas-themed play from renowned radio writer Norman Corwin.
Performances begin September 21 at noon and are open only to clients of Clovernook and their guests. Admission is free. Performance dates and attendance information are available by calling Chayla Ward, Clovernook Intake Specialist, at 901-523-9590.

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