Audio Description Training Retreats

 

Click here for information on our upcoming 2024 classes!

 

Audio Description Training Retreats provides affordable, unique, and high-quality virtual training experiences in the art of Audio Description (AD). Our classes are continually updated to reflect current trends in the industry, and maintain an emphasis on individual practice time, peer and expert feedback, and networking with fellow participants and industry professionals. 

 

Audio Description Training Retreats (ADTR) utilizes a virtual platform to maintain affordable, accessible, and high quality training celebrating blind and sighted professionals in all areas of the Audio Description industry. The Audio Description (AD) field is growing rapidly, and ADTR is committed to meeting the evolving needs of international professionals head-on.  

 

Our education offerings focus on:

• Continuous updates to materials to reflect current trends

• Small class sizes to maximize individual practice time 

• Peer and expert feedback 

• Grounding in AD industry fundamentals, followed by continuing education to hone expertise in specific live and pre-recorded AD professions 

• Ongoing access to resources and networking with fellow participants and industry professionals

• Incorporating feedback and consulting with individuals active in the AD fields 

• Providing opportunities for underrepresented community members to increase cultural competency and authentic representation in description

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The AD industry is growing rapidly, and ADTR remains committed to giving each participant a strong foundation in all aspects of this service. Providing historical context, disability awareness, and a safe space for discussion and practice is an essential part of all ADTR offerings. ADTR classes begin with the fundamentals and then delve deeper into more specific skill sets involving film, TV, live performances, art, and more.

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To learn more about us, our history, and our mission, go to About Us.

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For details about courses and what is covered in our curriculum, see What We Offer.

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To get in touch for details, applications, information, or to sponsor a student, contact us here!

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Who should take this training?

Whether you want to start a new career or hone your skills in Audio Description, our trainings offer a comprehensive base for all avenues of the industry. Past students have included participants from the National Parks Service, universities, filmmakers, interpreters, disability advocates, those on the blindness spectrum, educators, theater staff, dancers, voice talent, as well as individuals working in, or just starting, Audio Description jobs. We meet each applicant where they are and celebrate differences in recognizing what each individual can bring to a class roster. 

 

Why go with ADTR training?

If you invest in your AD journey with us, you will actually be interacting with blind and sighted professionals who are currently working in AD. In addition to essential networking and discussion, ADTR’s classes are never the same, as we edit our materials to best suit present participants, reflect the current landscape, and remain open to collaboration and correction. You will learn just as much from your peers as you will from instructors, and beyond just the written curriculum, class time is spent with practice and Q&A.

 

We keep class sizes small enough to ensure individual attention and group critique. Experts and moderators are flexible throughout training in order to give practical advice, tools, and suggestions for your path specifically. There is not a certification or degree in AD yet, so ADTR provides a comprehensive base from which to begin and continue pursuing professional description in all its variations. 

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What do I get out of this training?

Once you complete our Fundamentals training, you will be added to ADTR’s network of graduates, providing support, networking, and resources. We also provide reference materials to take with you for continuing education, and recorded student performance clips which can be used as part of a demo or resume sample. Although no official course credit can be given for now, upon completion of a training ADTR will provide a certificate of attendance or completion.

 

What’s the difference between the Fundamentals and Advanced courses?

Our Fundamentals class is required to introduce all participants to:

• Developments in AD such as job settings, client guidelines, best practices as they evolve, and technology’s impact 

• Industry vocabulary and roles within different fields of produced description such as writer, editor, engineer, director, manager, narrator, quality control, pre-show, and more

• Historical, social, and disability rights contexts 

• How to approach access needs and raising awareness of AD alongside the disability justice movement

• Provide ADTR Fundamentals grads with a common ground to branch from as they work together in future courses and support each other in the workforce

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Our Advanced trainings are continuing education opportunities with more specific subject matter:

• With an assumption of the fundamentals and some experience, anything “Advanced” is going to delve deeper into specific aspects of AD

• One course focuses on writing AD for pre-recorded media, such as film, streaming services, TV, web content, video games etc. 

• Another focuses on live performance and event description, such as theatre, pre-show / audio introductions, exhibitions, parks etc.

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ADTR is consistently innovating and will be continuing to partner with colleagues and companies to increase the number of working high quality AD professionals in 2024!