AD Process

Previewing and Note-taking

Audio description almost always begins with previewing the medium that will be described, taking notes on the visual elements of the work and conducting research on the piece. Each description requires several rounds of previewing and note-taking to ensure a deep, comprehensive understanding of the piece to provide quality description.

Preparing Notes and Description

After previewing, I write preliminary notes which are read prior to the description itself. The notes include introductory information, such as descriptions of the set, characters and their costumes, props, background information, as well as explanation of dance movements and translations of dialogue and musical numbers. I also prepare any specific description notes for when I am describing, which also includes researching specific terminology and information to best inform the description.

Providing Description

Once the preparation is complete, I will provide the audio description. My audio description style is to describe contemporaneously and extemporaneously. For live audio description of live events, I read the notes prior to the event and then I will describe live as the performance or tour occurs. For recorded audio description, I will record the notes and description in a file that can be played alone or layered on top of a video file.