MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Theater-goers who are blind or have low vision went onstage at the Overture Center for the Arts for a tactile tour of the “Wicked” Broadway production.
Tour guests were guided around the stage by cast members who explained each set piece, costume, or prop and invited them to touch.
“You only get so much of it listening through the headphones. Actually coming and touching costumes, touching set pieces, it really enhances your understanding of the world of Wicked and the show you are seeing,” said Tom Klubertanz, Guest Services Director at Overture Center for the Arts.
The free tours are meant to eliminate barriers to enjoying theater productions for those with low vision. They also offer headphones that low vision audience members can wear during the show and listen to descriptions of what’s happening on stage.
“We want to make sure that we’re inviting everybody to the table,” said Tom. “Part of that is getting rid of some barriers that might exist for different communities to be able to come on in and enjoy a show.”…