New York, NY - May 8, 2018 – Broadway Collection shows have announced a partnership with GalaPro, a Tel-Aviv based company, to provide accessibility for theatregoers who experience hearing loss or are non-English speaking – all with the touch of a smartphone.

Utilizing groundbreaking voice recognition technology, closed captioning and audio description will be synchronized with live action on Broadway stages. If an actor takes a pause or switches lines, it will be reflected via the GalaPro app.

A number of Broadway Collection shows have already begun implementing GalaPro, including A Bronx Tale, The Phantom of the Opera, Anastasia, Chicago, Come From Away, Dear Evan Hansen, School of Rock and The Band’s Visit. Each show provides captioning in English for the hearing impaired, and some have begun to roll out translation services in Spanish, Simple Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Hebrew, Portuguese, French and German.

Prior to each performance, a representative will be available to assist with connecting audience members to the app and demonstrating the ease of use. The captioning system is only accessible once the user puts his or her phone in airplane mode to prevent any additional notifications or disruptions, and the captions appear on a dim, black background. This new technology is provided to theatregoers free of charge. 

Bob Hoffman, Vice President of Broadway Inbound says, “The introduction of closed captioning and translation services through GalaPro is bringing the Broadway experience to new heightsand opens show up to a much wider audience than ever before. Not only does it give those with hearing loss an opportunity to enjoy the magic of a Broadway show, it can also be used by travelers coming into New York City who speak another language. This type of access is revolutionizing the theatre industry entirely and we’re so excited to be here from the very beginning.”

About Broadway Inbound and The Broadway Collection

Broadway Inbound specializes in travel industry and wholesale ticket distribution for live theatrical events both domestically and globally. A Shubert Organization company with decades of experience, Broadway Inbound's The Broadway Collection was created in response to a huge demand for Broadway throughout the global travel industry. To purchase tickets to any Broadway Collection show, contact a local tour operator or travel agent. Visit www.broadwaycollection.com for more information on the current season of Broadway musicals, follow us on social media for updates, and use #MakeItBway and tag @BroadwayInbound in posts.