American Musical Theatre Of San Jose (AMTSJ)
San Jose, CA
Main Website: http://www.amtsj.org
Accessibility Web Page: http://amtsj.org/ed_out/accessibility.html
Point of Contact
D.J. Zwicker-Sobrepena
Director of Education and Outreach
Email Address: AMTSJ-Access@amtsj.org
Phone: 408-453-1533
TTY: 408-453-7154
Overview
The mission of American Musical Theatre of San Jose (AMTSJ) is to create the highest quality of musical theatre that inspires the spirit of our diverse community. Founded as the San Jose Light Opera Association in 1934, AMTSJ is one of the oldest musical theatre companies in America. Annual attendance is approximately 150,000, which includes 15,000 subscribers. The theatre has an annual budget of $9.8 million.
AMTSJ produces four shows each season and presents several touring productions. Its home is the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, which has a capacity of 2,665. In addition, AMTSJ serves over 13,000 children and families.
Strategic Planning
AMTSJ developed a concise accessibility policy and posted it for the public on their website. The policy statement includes information on ticketing procedures and the theatre's timeline for releasing seats for people with disabilities to the general public. The policy can be found at here.
Professional Development
AMTSJ's executive staff maintains up-to-date information on accessibility laws to remain aware of how the laws effect their respective departments. For example, the chief financial officer relies on her knowledge of the law while negotiating accessibility issues and costs for touring productions. In addition, AMTSJ's education director offers group and one-to-one trainings for AMTSJ staff.
Community Engagement
AMTSJ collaborates with organizations such as the California School for the Deaf, the Deaf Counseling, Advocacy and Referral Agency and Santa Clara County Commission for Persons with Disabilities to build audiences for performances and educational matinees.
Programs and Services
The San Jose Center for the Performing Arts is accessible to audience members and artists. Services include:
- Audio study guides in a CD-ROM format
- Audio-described or ASL-interpreted backstage tours
- Audio-described tactile tours
- Open captioning using PDAs
- Complimentary tickets to the final dress rehearsal of each produced show distributed through services agencies
Evaluation
The San Jose Center for the Performing Arts measures the success of their accessibility program by:
- asking the subscribers who request access services to participate in focus groups and surveys to assess the theatre's services; and
- soliciting informal feedback from audience members, community leaders and service providers such as ASL interpreters and audio describers.
Tips for Success
- Make sure that your unions are committed to accessibility.
- Spend time getting to know the disability community.
- Learn how to use the equipment, so that you can train others.
- Learn as much as you can about the laws pertaining to people with disabilities, like the Americans with Disabilities Act and state laws, and any likely legislative changes. This will position you and your facility to be "ahead of the curve."
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