Whether you're planning your first captioned performance, researching accessibility technology, applying for funding, or simply learning more about inclusive theatre, you'll quickly encounter unfamiliar terminology.
What is the difference between captions and surtitles?
What exactly is an assistive listening system?
How does audio description differ from sign language interpretation?
This glossary explains the most important terms used in theatre accessibility, captioning, translation and live performance technology. It is designed for theatre managers, producers, technicians, accessibility coordinators, translators, front-of-house staff and anyone interested in making live performances more accessible.
The glossary is organised alphabetically for easy reference.
A
Accessibility
Accessibility refers to designing venues, performances, services and information so that everyone, including people with disabilities, can participate fully. In theatre, accessibility includes physical access, hearing accessibility, visual accessibility, digital accessibility and inclusive customer service.
Accessibility Audit
A structured review of a theatre's facilities, services and audience experience to identify barriers and recommend improvements.
Accessibility Coordinator
A staff member or consultant responsible for planning, implementing and monitoring accessibility services within a theatre or arts organisation.
Accessible Performance
A performance that includes one or more accessibility services, such as captions, audio description, sign language interpretation or relaxed performance adjustments.
Assistive Listening System (ALS)
Technology that helps audience members hear performances more clearly by transmitting sound directly to compatible receivers or hearing aids.
B
Braille Programme
A theatre programme produced in Braille for audience members who are blind or have severe visual impairments.
C
Captioning
The process of displaying spoken dialogue, important sound effects and other relevant audio information as readable text during a live performance.
Caption Operator
The person responsible for synchronising captions with the live performance.
Caption Script
The prepared text file containing dialogue, speaker identification, timing cues and sound descriptions.
Closed Captions
Captions that are only visible to audience members using compatible devices or applications.
Companion Ticket
An additional ticket provided for someone assisting a disabled visitor.
D
Deaf Community
A cultural and linguistic community of people who use sign language as their primary language and often identify with Deaf culture rather than hearing loss as a medical condition.
Digital Accessibility
The practice of ensuring websites, online booking systems, digital programmes and other online services can be used by everyone.
H
Hearing Loop
A system that transmits sound directly to hearing aids equipped with a telecoil, reducing background noise.
I
Inclusive Design
Designing venues, services and experiences so they work for the widest possible range of people without requiring special adaptations.
L
Live Captioning
Captions created or synchronised in real time during a live performance.
Live Translation
The process of presenting translated dialogue during a performance as it takes place.
M
Multilingual Captions
Captions provided in more than one language, allowing audiences from different linguistic backgrounds to enjoy the same performance.
O
Open Captions
Captions that are permanently visible to everyone in the audience without requiring personal devices.
P
Performance Accessibility
The combination of services and adjustments that allow disabled audiences to experience a performance independently and comfortably.
R
Relaxed Performance
A performance adapted to create a more comfortable environment for people with autism, sensory sensitivities, learning disabilities or anxiety.
S
Sign Language Interpretation
The live translation of spoken dialogue into a sign language by a qualified interpreter.
Subtitles
Text displayed on screen that represents spoken dialogue, most commonly used for film, television and video. In theatre, the term "captions" or "surtitles" is often more appropriate depending on the context.
Surtitles
Text displayed above or beside the stage to translate dialogue or lyrics, especially in opera and multilingual theatre.
T
Translation Memory
A database that stores previously translated text so it can be reused in future productions, improving consistency and reducing translation time.
W
Wheelchair Space
A seating location specifically designed to accommodate wheelchair users while providing suitable sightlines and comfort.
Why understanding theatre accessibility terminology matters
Accessibility is no longer a specialist topic discussed only by disability experts. It is becoming a fundamental part of theatre management, audience development, production planning and cultural policy.
Understanding common terminology helps theatre professionals communicate more effectively, evaluate new technology, prepare funding applications and make informed decisions about accessibility services.
It also makes conversations with translators, accessibility consultants, technical suppliers and community organisations much easier.
As theatres continue adopting digital captioning, multilingual performances and inclusive audience experiences, having a shared vocabulary becomes increasingly valuable.
This glossary will continue to evolve as new accessibility technologies, production methods and industry standards emerge.
