Arts & Disability Ireland together with the Lir Academy are hosting Audio Description Training in February/March 2026 with Anne Hornsby of Mind’s Eye – see further info on Anne at http://mindseyedescription.co.uk/
In Spring 2026, Arts & Disability Ireland, The Lir Academy, National Academy of Dramatic Arts and Mind’s Eye Audio Description will run a training course in Audio Description in Dublin. The Course will equip learners with the necessary skills and techniques to work as free-lance audio describers in theatre, with transferable skills for film, television and visual arts.
Audio Description Training Open Call
The closing date for initial applications is Monday 10 November
Following shortlisting, potential participants will be invited to attend an Audition day on Tuesday 25 November following which 8 participants will be selected to do the training.
The course will cover:
- Â visual impairment awareness and guiding
- Â the scripting and delivery of audio description
- learning how to lead a touch tour
- developing language and vocal skills
- operating audio description equipment
The course will take place both face to face in Dublin, with other sessions online.
We are keen to hear from applicants with the following skillset:
- A clear and pleasant speaking voice
- An excellent command of written and spoken English
- A commitment to and understanding of theatre
- A commitment to access
- A willingness to learn and to accept criticism
- An ability to work as part of a team
- Self-motivation and organisational skills
- An ability to take the initiative
- Excellent observational skills
- Good sight and hearing
Application Process
The application process is in two-phases as follows:
Stage 1: Interested applicants are requested to submit a CV and a short paragraph (50 words) on why you think you would make a good audio describer. Please email to jenny@adiarts.ie. Closing date for submissions is 18.00 on Friday 10 November
Stage 2: Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an Information and Audition Day which will take place in Dublin on Tuesday 25 November, from 11.30 – 15.30 at The Lir Academy. Eight successful candidates will be selected from those attending the Information and Audition Day.
Selected applicants must be available for the full course dates as follows:
• Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 January | 10.00 – 17.00 | in person at The Lir Academy
• Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 January |10.00 – 14.00 | online
• Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 February | 10.00 – 14.00 | online
• Monday 16 February |10.00 – 14.00 | online
• TBC | in-person final session and assessments (subject to show availability)
Assessments: Participants will audio describe a piece of live theatre and will also need to be available to see the theatre work in advance in advance before preparing the audio description script for assessment. There will be homework tasks set throughout the course.
Course Fee: €300
This also covers lunch on the first and last day, tea and coffee during the sessions, and your theatre tickets. Course participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.
Course Tutor
Award-winning Audio Describer, Anne Hornsby, is an accredited Audio Description Trainer. She is a pioneer of audio description and established Mind’s Eye in 1992. She leads a team who work all over the UK and Ireland to provide audio description for theatre, galleries, festivals and other arts events. Further information at www.mindseyedescription.co.uk
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