The stage at Stuttgart’s Apollo Theater now offers more than entertainment. With the introduction of the Dutch-developed app Earcatch, blind and visually impaired audiences can experience Disney’s Frozen through real-time audio descriptions. At the same time, Swiss performer Kim Fölmli has officially taken over the lead role of Anna, previously shared in rotation. Both premieres of the app and the actress mark a significant moment in the German cultural sector.
Inhaltsverzeichnis:
- Kim Fölmli steps into Anna’s shoes at Disney’s Frozen
- Earcatch app brings live audio descriptions to the theater
- Stage Entertainment invests in inclusion across Germany
- Upcoming relax performance and exhibit at Apollo Theater
Kim Fölmli steps into Anna’s shoes at Disney’s Frozen
Kim Fölmli, a Swiss musical actress, now officially plays Anna as the main cast in Disney’s Frozen at the Apollo Theater in Stuttgart. She had previously performed the role in an alternating capacity. Fölmli takes over from Abla Alaoui, who has moved to Hamburg to become Jane in the Tarzan production. Directed by Maximilian Mann, the show continues to attract large audiences, now with Fölmli at the heart of the performance.
Audiences responded enthusiastically to Fölmli’s debut. Her energetic stage presence and powerful vocals were met with praise from both critics and the first users of the new Earcatch app. The show’s team believes this double premiere highlights a fresh chapter in musical accessibility and performance.
Earcatch app brings live audio descriptions to the theater
Stage Entertainment introduced the Earcatch app during a performance of Disney’s Frozen, offering a new level of accessibility. The app delivers pre-recorded audio descriptions that are synchronized with the stage action via discreet acoustic trigger signals. These triggers, spoken live backstage by a "Caller," ensure that users receive the right description at the precise moment, without manual syncing or delays.
Key features of the Earcatch system include:
- Detailed audio descriptions of costumes, scenery, gestures, and facial expressions.
- Automatic timing, eliminating the need for manual controls.
- Compatibility with headphones and smartphones, allowing seamless integration during live shows.
- Usage over free Wi-Fi in the theater, with no mobile data required.
The app does not interfere with the theater experience, as users are not required to turn off their phones. However, current feedback suggests the audio volume needs adjustment to match the intensity of the musical’s sound effects a fix already underway.
Stage Entertainment invests in inclusion across Germany
Stage Entertainment has invested a five-figure sum in implementing the Earcatch system, demonstrating a long-term commitment to accessibility in German theaters. The app has already been used successfully for nearly two years in Hamburg’s The Lion King production. With Frozen, Stuttgart’s Apollo Theater follows suit, sending a clear message: Inclusion is not just a slogan, but a practical, ongoing effort.
“Our theater is a safe space,” said Constanze Müller, Apollo’s director. “Everyone should feel welcome here.” The importance of inclusive storytelling is also personal for Anke Nikolai, the author of the audio descriptions, whose blind father loves musicals. “It’s not just about facts. It’s about emotion and empathy,” she said.
In the Netherlands, Earcatch has been a staple in the film and theater industries for several years. For CEO Merejin van der Heijden, the partnership with Stage Entertainment marks a significant milestone in bringing this model to Germany. “Our vision is that no one should be excluded from cultural experiences,” van der Heijden explained.
Upcoming relax performance and exhibit at Apollo Theater
In addition to Earcatch, Stage Entertainment plans a “Relax” performance of Frozen, where lighting and sound intensity will be reduced. This format supports individuals including children who are sensitive to strong sensory input or have behavioral challenges.
Furthermore, until 13 September, the Apollo Theater is hosting the “Eiswelt” exhibition. Ticket holders can explore costumes, props, and surprises from the world of Frozen, including items from characters like Elsa, Anna, and Olaf. The exhibition is free for anyone attending the musical.
Meanwhile, audio descriptions for Michael Jackson: The Musical are currently in production in Hamburg. However, no Earcatch implementation is planned for We Will Rock You due to the expected short run time of the Queen musical's second season.
Through the launch of Earcatch and a new leading actress, Stage Entertainment positions itself as a front-runner in cultural accessibility. With continued investments and upcoming initiatives, the company signals its commitment to ensuring that the magic of musical theater is available to all.
Quelle: Stuttgarter Zeitung