Industry terminology and history of AD in context

Disability justice and understanding the audience

Thorough review of complex rules of AD

Introduction to the roles within theatrical, live, and pre-recorded media description

ADTR's Top Ten Tips highlighting how to organize and approach description projects

Prioritizing, timing and editing of primary/standard in-line description scripts

Emphasis on practice time—this is a craft learned by doing!

Feedback and critique from blind and sighted expert instructors and fellow participants

Admission to ADTR's network of graduates

Extensive resources for continuing education, career paths, and more!

An application process for a total of 8 students to ensure a committed and diverse group

An additional 8 spots available for observation of the course at a lower tuition rate in response to the worldwide need for training options

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of AD

Students bring short examples of their own description for presentation, discussion, and feedback 

Discussion of how to locate quality critique and the importance of consulting with the blind and low vision community

Addressing progression of representation, diversity and inclusion in professional AD

Exercises supporting fundamentals and expanding self-editing and quality control skills

How to give and receive constructive feedback

Review and discuss example film and TV scripts

Writing both in-class and assigned scenes utilizing script templates and "real-life" guidelines

Orientation in space; in-person venues, VR, and video games

Grammar and genre-specific tips for avoiding traps and making AD language work smarter

Cinematic, theatrical, design, dance, and movement vocabulary resources. 

What to expect when working in AD for the screen

Current AD landscape and peeks at developing screen trends

Q&A including advice on resumes and job submissions

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of AD

Students present assigned pre-show examples for theatrical productions utilizing materials and templates provided

Overview of specific roles and strategies for offering live AD services 

Live AD practice drills and collaborative exercises 

Performing second descriptions incorporating edits for discussion and feedback

Discussing diversity and representation and how to promote culturally competent AD of events and individuals 

How to describe characters, costumes, props, sets, lighting, plots, program notes, venue features, and more with and without preparation time

How to give and receive constructive feedback from peers and the audience 

Practice in pre-show description writing and coordination with partnering primary / in real time describers 

Introduction to tactile / touch tours, docent audio scripts, and exhibition crossovers

Theatrical and movement vocabulary resources

Orientation in physical spaces;  assisting blind and low vision patrons with navigation as well as conveying key visuals logically 

Pointers for outreach to  blind and low vision communities 

Tips for engaging with organizations, schools, theaters, or other venues when providing AD

Purchasing and using Audio Description equipment