Audio Description

PBT offers audio-described performances for patrons with blindness or low vision, or anyone interested in listening to a live narration of the production.

Patrons experience the performance through verbal description of the action on stage, including choreography, story line, scenery and costumes.  All performances are at the Benedum Center for Performing Arts unless noted.

2023 – 2024 Season

Light in the Dark: Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the Byham Theater
The Nutcracker: Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023 at 12 p.m. and Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. (sensory-friendly performance)                                                                                                                                                                                                    Beauty and the Beast: Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. (sensory-friendly performance)
Spring Mix with the PBT Orchestra: Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 2 p.m.
Cinderella with the PBT Orchestra: Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 2 p.m.

For questions or to register for audio-described performances contact accessibility@pittsburghballet.org or 412-454-9128.

At the theater: Sign out a headset for an audio-described performance at the Guest Services Center located directly next to the elevator in the Benedum Center lower lobby. An ID is required to borrow a headset. Please see an usher when you arrive for more assistance.

Ballet Audio Notes

Beauty and the Beast Synopsis and Program Notes

The Nutcracker Audio Notes

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  • Costume Descriptions

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    Basic Ballet Terms

    Audio Notes for Previous Performances

    Listen to select notes from past seasons!

    West Side Story Suite + In the Night + Fancy Free

    Giselle Audio Synopsis and Program Notes

    Dracula Audio Synopsis and Costume Description

    Romeo and Juliet Audio Synopsis

    Alice in Wonderland Synopsis

    Swan Lake Audio Synopsis and Program Notes

    PBT is grateful to the Carnegie Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped for making this service possible by providing narrators, recordings, and technical support.

    Other Resources

    • Large-print and braille programs also are available at the theater.
    • VocalEyes Ltd, a UK charity devoted to audio description and accessibility of all arts and cultural genres, has wonderful resources about audio description for dance. 
    • For more information about PBT’s accessibility services, please visit our accessibility page.