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GalaPro is a theatre accessibility app that provides real time translation and captioning for theatregoers. Owned by The Shubert Organization, the GalaPro app offers a variety of services on demand for audiences on their phones.
GalaPro. short for GalaPrompter, was setup in 2015 after the founders Hagai Pipko and Dr. Elena Litsyn saw the need in the market for an accessibility tool. They observed that before 2016, deaf audiences were limited to roughly four captioned Broadway performances per month in New York City. Audio description performances – where orators articulate design and staging via a personal listening device to blind or low-vision patrons,- happened even less frequently. The GalaPro team saw this as a disservice to those communities.
GalaPro is now the leading provider for in-show services in the theatre industry. Broadway in New York has implemented GalaPro in 90% of theatres and over 30 Broadway touring venues have partnered with GalaPro, services are also available in over 20 regional markets across North America.
The GalaPro app is available on iOS/Android and offers users a comprehensive understanding of their experience providing closed captioning, language subtitles, audio description, amplification and dubbing in their native language while providing venues with new user data, cutting edge marketing tools and a direct connection to their patrons.
Another appealing feature of the app is the translation available, as the website explains the ethos behind their belief of “entertainment for everyone”:
“Imagine travelling to a new city and enjoying a local event or show in your native language. Now, imagine enjoying closed captions or audio description at any performance you would like to attend without having to wait for the one scheduled accessible show. Our revolutionary, patent pending, app enhances the audience experience by delivering individual multilingual subtitles, closed captioning, dubbing, audio description, and amplification to the user’s own mobile device. All content is provided in real time, using speech recognition technology, developed specifically for live performances and shows. With GalaPro everyone can enjoy the show at every single performance.”
While using a phone in the traditional way in a theatre or auditorium might be disruptive and distracting, the technology behind GalaPro ensures that the experience is inclusive, discreet, and does not disturb the surrounding audience members.
The app display is not bright like a traditional phone screen, instead it displays grey or red text on a black background, and works in Airplane mode. When users download the app, they are able to see what participating theatres use GalaPro by searching by city or location. There is then the option to choose your preferred theatre and view the shows offered and the variety of the available languages and accessibility services.
To get setup with GalaPro
GalaPro’s mission is to make entertainment accessible and inclusive to everyone, at any venue, in any seat, anywhere in the world. After such success being rolled out across North America, the app has now been welcomed to the UK. After an initial trial in 2019, the app is currently working with the Back to the Future Musical at the Adelphi.
As previously mentioned, GalaPro is currently expanding to the West End, with future plans to hit Europe, and Australia while launching Smart Glasses compatibility, as well as amplification services, automated film features, and an innovative interface that can be used for museums, visitor centres and exhibitions.
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Michelle is a musician and composer from the UK. She has performed across the UK and Europe and is passionate about arts education and opportunities for women and girls.
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