Introduction - a shift in how audiences “see” spoken words
If you’ve ever attended a foreign-language play, an opera, or even a densely poetic drama, you know the strain of tracking dialogue that's spoken fast, in an unfamiliar accent, or in a language you don’t fully speak. Traditional surtitles (those projected text lines above the stage) help, but they come with limitations: distance, line changes, visibility, and language constraints.
Now imagine a system where captions are delivered like audio - they’re overhead, ambient, or streamed directly, giving listeners words they can follow as naturally as they follow dialogue. That’s the promise of audio captioning or captions to simultaneous interpretation: combining the visual clarity of surtitles with the flexibility and immersion of audio delivery.
In this article, we’ll explore what audio captioning is, how Captitles’ “Captions to simultaneous interpretation” feature works, benefits and challenges, technical considerations, and step-by-step how to implement it in your theatre. By the end, you’ll see audio captioning as more than a nice extra — it can drive accessibility, broaden audiences, and enrich your performances.
What is audio captioning / simultaneous interpretation?
To clarify terms:
- Surtitles / captions: Traditionally, text displayed visibly (above the stage, on side screens) that subtitles the performance in the original language or translates it into another.
- Audio captioning / audio interpretation: Here, the text is read aloud or streamed in audio form (often through headphones or hearing assistive devices) simultaneously with the performance. Sometimes it’s a choice the audience can make (listen to captions instead of original audio, or in addition).
- Captions to simultaneous interpretation (as per Captitles): It allows streaming text as if it were a podcast. Audiences can choose the language they want to listen to. The surtitles operator sets the timing in real time.
So, essentially, rather than reading text on screen, people with this feature listen to captions or interpretation delivered via audio channel. It could be an audio feed in their headset, via mobile devices, or other assistive listening gear.
Why theatre should seriously consider audio captioning
Here are compelling reasons:
- Inclusivity beyond visual limitations
For people who struggle to read surtitles (poor eyesight, seating at difficult angles, visual impairments) or children who find reading and watching at once tiring, audio captions can be easier. - Multilingual flexibility
When audiences include non-native speakers or tourists, offering a choice of language via audio allows more people to engage without needing screens with translated surtitles. - Improved immersion
Audio captioning preserves more of the stage experience. No screens to shift gaze. One listens, focuses on acting, sound, mise-en-scène — less visual distraction. - Technical simplicity in some contexts
In venues where projected surtitles are hard to see (outdoor performances, unusual architecture, or small stages), audio captioning can offer an alternative. - Meeting modern expectations
Audiences increasingly expect choices: language options, accessibility features, flexible formats. Audio captions align with streaming norms (where subtitles/captions are selectable) and podcast/listening culture. - Brand and revenue benefits
Accessible audience members are underserved markets. People with hearing impairment, multilingual groups, tourists, or seniors may prefer or rely on audio captions. By offering them, theatres can attract these groups and build loyalty.
How Captitles’ “captions to simultaneous interpretation” feature works
Captitles has a feature (currently in beta) called Captions to audio or “captions to simultaneous interpretation.” Here’s what it allows:
- Stream captions as if it was a podcast. That is, the text content of captions is rendered as audio, so audience members can listen rather than read.
- Multiple translations: The audience can select the language they want to listen to.
- Real-time control: The surtitles operator (or caption/surtitles technician) controls timing live, coordinating the sync between the spoken performance and the audio captions.
Because it’s still in private beta, some theatres may not yet have access, but the structure and implications are clear. When fully operational, this kind of feature is a game-changer.
Technical and practical considerations
Implementing audio captioning/simultaneous interpretation is not trivial — it requires planning, equipment, and training. Below are key considerations and solutions.
Step-by-step guide to implementing audio captioning
Here’s how you might roll out audio captioning / simultaneous interpretation in your theatre:
Step 1: Pilot project
- Choose one production with audience appeal (e.g. one with expected multilingual or hearing-impaired interest).
- Use Captitles’ “captions to audio” beta (if available), or partner with another provider.
- Offer it for a limited number of performances (e.g. two or three).
Step 2: Set up infrastructure
- Ensure good audio capture of spoken text (clear mics, proper recruitment of the surtitles operator).
- Provide or arrange for suitable audio output (headphones, assistive listening devices, or mobile device streaming).
- Make selection of caption-audio option prominent in tickets/website/program material.
Step 3: Training
- Train the surtitles operator to manage timing carefully.
- Train front-of-house staff to help audiences with setup (connecting device/headphones).
- Provide instructions/protocol for audience use (e.g. “download app in advance,” “connect to venue Wi-Fi,” “bring headphones”).
Step 4: Marketing & audience education
- Emphasize accessibility offering clearly in promotions. Use icons, explain what audio captioning is, and how it benefits.
- Partner with accessibility groups, deaf community, multilingual groups, embassies/tourism agencies.
- Use testimonials from early users in promotional materials.
Step 5: Feedback loop
- At pilot shows, collect feedback: clarity of audio, ease of use, preference vs traditional surtitles.
- Use short post-show survey, or front-of-house conversations.
Step 6: Iterate & scale
- Tweak based on feedback. Possibly offer audio captioning more widely, multiple languages.
- Assess cost vs uptake and decide which shows benefit most from the feature.
Real-world examples and use cases
Here are illustrations of how theatres (or cultural institutions) have used or could use audio captioning / similar features:
- Opera with foreign language librettos: Patrons listening to audio captions in their language while performers sing in the original language. This allows the audience to appreciate the original musical and vocal artistry, while still understanding the narrative.
- Multilingual tourist markets: In major cultural centres, where tourists outnumber locals for some performances, offering audio captions in multiple languages (English, Spanish, Mandarin, etc.) makes theatre more attractive.
- Accessible inclusion: Deaf or hard-of-hearing patrons who may have difficulty reading surtitles from certain angles benefit from hearing captions with assistive listening devices or via headset.
- Outdoor / site-specific theatre: In settings where projecting surtitles is impractical (e.g. open-air, moving sets, uneven terrain), audio captioning offers an alternative.
Benefits beyond accessibility — how this can drive growth
Implementing audio captioning doesn’t only serve those with specific accessibility needs. It also helps your theatre’s brand and bottom line in concrete ways:
- Attract new audience segments - multilingual communities, hearing-impaired, tourists, older audience who prefer auditory cues.
- Stronger marketing stories - when you promote “listen in your preferred language” or “audio captions available,” you signal modernity, inclusivity, and audience respect.
- Increased ticket sales - especially for performances that might otherwise be less attended due to language or hearing barriers.
- Better engagement and loyalty - patrons who feel included are more likely to come back and spread word-of-mouth.
- Funding and sponsorship opportunities - many grants and sponsors now prioritize accessibility, inclusion, diversity of audience. A theatre using Captitles’ audio captioning may have stronger proposals.
Challenges and where to watch out
While promising, audio captioning has pitfalls to avoid:
- Cost recovery - if there’s little adoption, the costs (of translation, interpretation, or streaming) may outweigh immediate returns.
- Technical failures - lag, poor sound, connectivity issues can cause dissatisfaction or negative word-of-mouth.
- Misalignment with performance style - some theatre styles use overlapping speech, poetic or abstract forms which may be harder to caption smoothly in audio.
- Audience resistance - some traditional theatre-goers may view audio devices as distractive; need delicate audience education and optional use.
Future possibilities — where audio captioning is headed
- Personalised language options built into tickets or apps before arrival. Audience chooses preferred language during booking.
- Hybrid shows where live audience and streamed audience both use audio captions in different languages.
- Augmented reality (AR) integration, where audio captions can be linked to spatial audio or headphones that localize sound (useful in immersive theatre).
- Caption-rich experiences where audio captioning includes not only dialogue but stage directions, actor movement cues, or textual enrichment (as some surtitles do).
How to assess ROI
To convince your board, funders, or internal team, you’ll want metrics. Here’s how:
- Track uptake: number or percentage of audience using audio captioning vs just attending.
- Measure ticket sales uplift: did performances offering audio captions sell more? Especially for international or accessibility-concerned markets.
- Monitor repeat attendance among users of the feature.
- Collect qualitative feedback: did users feel more engaged? Did they bring companions? Were they likely to return?
- Compare cost vs revenue or value (not just direct ticket sales but brand impact, expanded audience, eligibility for accessibility funding).
Conclusion - words overhead, voices welcomed
Audio captioning and simultaneous interpretation represent a natural evolution in theatre accessibility. They’re not about replacing visual surtitles or projections, but about giving audiences more choice - spoken, heard, read - so that everyone can engage fully.
With features like Captitles’ “captions to simultaneous interpretation,” theatres can stay ahead: offering cutting-edge accessibility, embracing diverse audiences, and reinforcing that theatre is for everyone. When words are heard as well as seen, voices are welcomed, and performances become richer for all.
Accessible theatre isn’t side-stage. It’s center stage. Audio captioning brings that truth to life.
