The Hello Arts Collective recently launched the Audio Description Learning Network (ADLN) in collaboration with an existing coalition of Philadelphia area theaters dedicated to improving accessibility services across the sector. Our goal is to expand the use of effective, representative Audio Description in theaters by training new Audio Describers, cultivating audiences, and sharing our findings broadly.

Audio Description is the verbal depiction of visual images and action used by audiences who are Blind/Low Vision/Visually Impaired to more fully experience cultural events.  The ADLN is providing free access to our recorded training sessions and PAID part-time fellowships to diversify the bench of Audio Describers in the Philadelphia area.

The ADLN will accept applications from those who have completed the free Audio Description training and are interested in becoming a professional Audio Describer. Four (4) fellows will be selected to begin paid, mentored training. Fellowship Training Sites are professional theaters in Pennsylvania.
The 2023-24 Season Training Sites:​
- 1812 Productions (in residence at Plays & Players Theatre) in Center City Philadelphia
- The Wilma Theater in Center City Philadelphia
​- Hedgerow Theatre in Media, PA
- People's Light in Malvern, PA
ADLN Fellows must be willing and able to travel to each theatre for full participation in this paid fellowship, as outlined in the application LINKED HERE. Fellows will receive a $1000 honorarium for an estimated 25 hours of continued training at all four Training Sites from November 15, 2023 - February 28, 2024. You will also receive a personal steno mic to keep, and free use of the ADLN's portable equipment (as available) for future audio describing opportunities. Fellows receive feedback from coaches who are members of the Blind/Low Vison/Vison Impaired communities, and the opportunity to audio describe a live performance for the general public at one of four regional theatres.

​While the free introductory training is available to all who are interested, the Audio Description Fellowship is intended for individuals who are increasingly represented on area stages but under-represented among Audio Describers, specifically members of the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.

More detailed information is included in the application. Please contact us at adlearningnetwork@gmail.com with any questions or go to www.helloartscollective.com/adln and apply by November 6, 2023.