Auracast™ LOCATION PROFILE
Overshadowed Theatrical Production
About this location
Key stats
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Venue type: Theatre
Auracast™ equipment installed: Listen Technologies
Installation: Thunder Hearing & Sound
Located in the suburbs of Chicago, Overshadowed Theatrical Production creates live stage plays and musicals designed to deliver a high-quality theater experience outside the city. Each production attracts approximately 3,000 audience members, with programming that appeals to a wide demographic. As a nonprofit arts organization, the organization’s mission centers on providing family-friendly and family-affordable theater that is accessible to patrons of all ages.
The problem statement
Before deploying Auracast™ broadcast audio, the organization faced a significant accessibility challenge for guests with hearing loss. Musicals, in particular, introduced complex audio environments with layered music, tap dancing, sound effects, and amplified instruments, making it difficult for some audience members to clearly hear spoken dialogue.
At the time, the organization did not have any form of assistive listening system in place. Guests with hearing loss were required to rely solely on their personal hearing aids, which were often insufficient in noisy or acoustically dense performances. This limitation meant that some patrons were unable to fully engage with shows, detracting from the inclusive experience the theater aimed to deliver.
The Auracast™ solution
Deployment
After researching accessibility solutions online, Overshadowed Theatrical Production identified Auracast™ broadcast audio as a promising option. Cost, ease of installation, and long-term viability were key decision-making factors. Compared to traditional hearing loop systems, an Auracast™ system was less invasive, significantly more affordable, and aligned with the belief that broadcast audio would become a future accessibility standard.
Overshadowed Theatrical Productions selected the Listen Technologies Auri TX for its Auracast™ solution as its sole assistive listening system rather than an overlay to an existing solution, simplifying operations and support. Deployment proved to be straightforward, requiring less time and instruction than expected.
Benefits
Since deployment, feedback from audience members has been consistently positive. Guests have reported that Auracast™ broadcasts have greatly enhanced their listening experience, particularly during complex musical performances where dialogue clarity is critical. The simplicity of the system has encouraged adoption, with most users choosing the headset-based approach, which has seen full utilization.
Beyond improving the audience experience, Auracast™ broadcast audio strengthened the organization’s ability to demonstrate its commitment to accessibility. This has proven valuable when applying for grants as a nonprofit organization, especially in a region where inclusive access to cultural spaces is highly valued. The system has also reinforced trust with patrons by showing that the organization genuinely cares about their comfort and engagement.
A look ahead
“For organizations considering Auracast™ broadcast audio, the technology works well and delivers meaningful benefits with minimal disruption,” said Michael Larsen from Overshadowed Theatrical Productions.
By adopting an Auracast™ solution early, Overshadowed Theatrical Productions has positioned itself ahead of accessibility expectations while remaining aligned with future industry standards. For this suburban Chicago theatre organization, the deployment represents not only a technical upgrade but a lasting investment in inclusivity, audience satisfaction, and the future of accessible performing arts.
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