Stagetext, a global leader in theatre captioning, has launched a new captioning software set to transform access to arts and culture for deaf audiences.
The deaf-led charity dedicated to making arts and culture accessible, has developed Stagetext+, a new open-standard software designed with deaf audiences in mind, and is rolling it out across the theatre captioning landscape following a successful trial at Colchester’s Mercury Theatre.
The software can deliver captions simultaneously across multiple devices – from caption boxes and LED screens to tablets and phones – whilst maintaining the highest quality standards for deaf access.
Why this matters
Unlike AI generated captions and subtitles, delivery will still be by Stagetext qualified captioners and operators to ensure perfect accuracy and timing, enabling deaf audience members to have the same equal experience as their hearing friends and family.
This milestone marks 25 years of Stagetext pioneering text based deaf access through theatre captioning in the UK, and celebrates the success of its two-year collaboration with the Mercury. The new access model using in-house Operators for repeat captioned performances makes captioning more affordable and accessible for venues and gives deaf audiences more choice about how they view captions.
Expanding deaf access
There are 18 million adults in the UK who are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing, which means 1 in 3 people may benefit from subtitles and captions to enjoy arts and culture. Yet, text-based deaf access is not as widely available as it could be, with many venues citing budget restrictions. Stagetext+ will help expand deaf access throughout the cultural sector by making it more affordable.
Stagetext’s CEO Melanie Sharpe said: “Stagetext’s vision has always been about innovating how we provide and advocate for deaf access. Having first completed a trial phase with the Mercury Theatre in Colchester, we know that Stagetext+ can bring deaf access to the whole family, whether you are a hard of hearing grandparent or a child who is deaf, enabling family fun for all!
We’re very excited about this as it will help realise our ambition of bringing more captions more often to audiences who have previously felt excluded – including those who are neurodivergent or have English as an additional language.”
Co-Chair of the board of Trustees for Stagetext, Sophie Ede said: ““How glorious to be leading Stagetext on its 25th anniversary. As a deaf chair of a national charity, I wish to publicly say thank you to the founders of Stagetext who have enabled me to enjoy theatre for the last 20 years of my life.
Without Stagetext I would have been excluded and isolated from enjoying the sociable side of going to the theatre. I am proud to be working with a dedicated staff team to bring about this new way to deliver captions in the face of ongoing financial restrictions and challenges within the arts and cultural sector.”
Steve Mannix, Chief Executive of the Mercury Theatre in Colchester said: “Working with Stagetext has given us a chance to embed access at the heart of the creative process and everything we do. The Mercury has the first trained Operator in the UK who can deliver repeat captioned performances. We’re delighted that this has worked so well and we’re able to truly embody more access more often.”
We will be rolling out Stagetext+ to captioners from 2026. Get in touch to see how Stagetext+ can help your venue deliver more deaf access more often or find out more.
