[KeyStoneChapter] Fwd: September-October Audio Described Events, Spotlighting two Philly Fringe Festival Performances!
Simon Bonenfant
sbonenfant2 at gmail.com
Wed Sep 2 05:06:04 UTC 2026
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Audio Description Learning Network <adlearningnetwork at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Sep 2, 2026 at 1:04 AM
Subject: September-October Audio Described Events, Spotlighting two Philly
Fringe Festival Performances!
To:
Hello ADLN Community,
This is ADLN admin Simon Bonenfant. I hope all is well, and that you’re
looking forward to the upcoming Labor Day weekend!
Below you will find the audio described events from September 12 to October
15. There are 14 events in total, the largest we’ve ever had!
I’m delighted to spotlight two performances featured in the 30th annual
Philadelphia Fringe Festival, Lunar Retreat and The Holy Fool, both of
which I’m a consultant for. Read on for all the details about these and
other events below!
September 8, 2026 (Tuesday)
*Event:* From Nature to Nylons: A Touch-Based History of Textiles
Venue: Science History Institute
Time: 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Description: “Created in collaboration with Philly Touch Tours, Touch Tours
is a recurring program taking place on the second Tuesday of every month.
This touch-based tour offers guests a private learning experience that
combines a personally guided exploration of select gallery exhibits and a
hands-on study of objects from our collections.
>From Nature to Nylons begins with an introduction to natural fibers, such
as wool and linen, and moves on to the development of plastics and
synthetic materials like nylon and Gore-Tex. Guests will leave with a
better understanding of how these fibers changed our world, and how the
changing world influenced our desire for advanced high-tech textiles.
This tour is specifically designed to engage guests who are blind and
visually impaired. We also strive to be inclusive for all visitors with
various abilities. Please reach out to communicate your accessibility needs.
Reservations for the touch tour are required, and participation is
restricted to 10 guests. Because reservations are limited, guests are
encouraged to register early. To register, use the form provided on the
event page.”
Website:
https://www.sciencehistory.org/visit/events/from-nature-to-nylons-a-touch-based-history-of-textiles-202609/
Special Notes: If you have any questions or would like to pay cash for the
tour, email touchtours at sciencehistory.org or call 215.925.2222
<(215)%20925-2222>.
September 12, 2026 (Saturday)
*Event:* Lunar Retreat
*Venue:* Nichole Canuso Branching Paths, 30th Annual Fringe Festival
Leonard Pearlstein Gallery, 3401 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/3401+Filbert+Street,%0D%0APhiladelphia,+PA+19104?entry=gmail&source=g>
*Time:* 2:00 PM
*Description:* “This new work by Nichole Canuso - Branching Paths, is an
immersive, interactive, and multi-sensory performance inspired by the
gradual, growing distance between the Moon and Earth. As we developed this
piece, we built relationships with the Blind and Low Vision communities
through workshops, showings, explorations and conversations. Tactile
elements are now incorporated into the design of the show to ensure that
the sensory world of the piece is fully available to those experiencing it
through touch. Audio Description is included alongside the gentle
invitations to wander, witness, and reflect on how we move through care,
loss, and transformation—both individually and collectively. In some
moments, dancers will guide and interact with you through light touch,
inviting you to join them in gestures and movement. Come as you are, engage
along your own chosen path, and move at your own pace.”
*Website:*
https://fringearts.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/?acode=ac26e22e43357d49f461320273befe68&#/instances/a0FUO00000CAhRN2A1
*Accessibility Services:* Pre-recorded Audio Description, Touch Tour,
Sighted Guides, Sensory Kits and post-show talk-back
*Special Notes:* Please plan to arrive 30 min early, so that we can make
sure your access needs are accommodated.
● All audience members receive headphones with adjustable volume
for much of the show’s soundscape and for AD on select performances.
● PCA's do not require a ticket, but please let us know in advance
that your PCA will accompany you as space and headsets for the show are
limited.
● Know Before you Go information and sensory kits will be
available.
Ticketing:
Tiered ticket prices, FringeAccess Member Tickets and discounts available
using the code Lunar20.
To purchase tickets via phone, call the FringeArts box office at
215.413.1318 <(215)%20413-1318>.
Listen to the White Canes Connect Podcast
<https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/158/> about Lunar Retreat, hosted by
Lunar Retreat accessibility consultant Simon Bonenfant on Apple Podcasts
<https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/look-forward-to-lunar-retreat-an-accessible-fringe/id1592248709?i=1000785404107>,
Spotify <https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hVkQAdMTjlRyXAVnYc4pg>, or
YouTube <https://youtu.be/9FSPAj2Dbo0?si=7s3K6ypi95t0yvcn>
For more information, please contact Lee Etzold,
LEtzold at HelloArtsCollective.com
September 13, 2026 (Sunday)
*Event:* Lunar Retreat
*Venue:* Nichole Canuso Branching Paths, 30th Annual Fringe Festival
Leonard Pearlstein Gallery, 3401 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/3401+Filbert+Street,%0D%0APhiladelphia,+PA+19104?entry=gmail&source=g>
*Time:* 4:45 PM
*Description:* “This new work by Nichole Canuso - Branching Paths, is an
immersive, interactive, and multi-sensory performance inspired by the
gradual, growing distance between the Moon and Earth. As we developed this
piece, we built relationships with the Blind and Low Vision communities
through workshops, showings, explorations and conversations. Tactile
elements are now incorporated into the design of the show to ensure that
the sensory world of the piece is fully available to those experiencing it
through touch. Audio Description is included alongside the gentle
invitations to wander, witness, and reflect on how we move through care,
loss, and transformation—both individually and collectively. In some
moments, dancers will guide and interact with you through light touch,
inviting you to join them in gestures and movement. Come as you are, engage
along your own chosen path, and move at your own pace.”
*Website:*
https://fringearts.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/?acode=ac26e22e43357d49f461320273befe68&#/instances/a0FUO00000CAhWD2A1
*Accessibility Services:* Pre-recorded Audio Description, Touch Tour,
Sighted Guides, Sensory Kits and post-show talk-back
*Special Notes:* Please plan to arrive 30 min early, so that we can make
sure your access needs are accommodated.
● All audience members receive headphones with adjustable volume
for much of the show’s soundscape and for AD on select performances.
● PCA's do not require a ticket, but please let us know in advance
that your PCA will accompany you as space and headsets for the show are
limited.
● Know Before you Go information and sensory kits will be
available.
Ticketing:
Tiered ticket prices, FringeAccess Member Tickets and discounts available
using the code Lunar20.
To purchase tickets via phone, call the FringeArts box office at
215.413.1318 <(215)%20413-1318>.
Listen to the White Canes Connect Podcast
<https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/158/> about Lunar Retreat, hosted by
Lunar Retreat accessibility consultant Simon Bonenfant on Apple Podcasts
<https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/look-forward-to-lunar-retreat-an-accessible-fringe/id1592248709?i=1000785404107>,
Spotify <https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hVkQAdMTjlRyXAVnYc4pg>, or
YouTube <https://youtu.be/9FSPAj2Dbo0?si=7s3K6ypi95t0yvcn>
For more information, please contact Lee Etzold,
LEtzold at HelloArtsCollective.com
September 13, 2026 (Sunday)
*Event:* Mitridate, re di Ponto
*Venue:* Opera Philadelphia, Academy of Music
*Time:* 2:00 PM
*Description:* “Mozart was just 14 years old when he wrote this rare gem
that has all the hallmarks of musical brilliance and hormonal adolescence.
Angst, risky behavior, and fraught romance never sounded quite so good.
Opera Philadelphia’s first production of Mitridate, re di Ponto stars
blockbuster tenor Lawrence Brownlee as the titular king, alongside
countertenor and OP General Director & President Anthony Roth Costanzo as
his eldest son, Farnace, and soprano Meredith Wohlgemuth as the younger
son, Sifare. Glittering soprano Lauren Snouffer portrays Aspasia, the woman
all three love.”
*Website:* https://tix.operaphila.org/28952/28956
*Accessibility Services:* Audio Description; (Nicole Sardella)
*Special Notes:* For any inquiries, contact Guest Services at 215.732.8400
<(215)%20732-8400> or by emailing tix at operaphila.org.
September 16, 2026 (Wednesday)
*Event:* The Holy Fool
*Venue:* Ninth Planet, 30th Annual Fringe Festival
The Gym at Impact Services (2953 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19133
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/2953+N+Front+St,+Philadelphia,%0D%0APA+19133?entry=gmail&source=g>)
*Time:* 7:30 PM
*Description:* “Grief, absurdity, and heartache collide in this world
premiere dance-theatre piece.
Mother makes dinner. Daughter sets the table. One empty chair. A knock at
the door. The cameras are rolling. Everyone’s watching. The Fool keeps
dancing.
Through the eyes of an American family, The Holy Fool examines the toll of
aging, grieving, and growing up in a culture where normativity is the most
valuable currency — and your everyday life is live-streamed. A thrilling
ghost story unfolds inside a cavernous industrial space, scored by Jordan
McCree and Marty Gottlieb-Hollis’ original music, a hypnotic blend of
trumpet, percussion and synthesizers.
The Holy Fool marks Ninth Planet’s return to the Fringe after a sold out
run of High Noon as part of Cannonball in 2022. This world premiere work of
dance theatre is Co-Directed by Ninth Planet’s Sam Tower and Nia Benjamin,
and collaboratively written by the ensemble, featuring Bi Jean Ngo, Hannah
Gold, Katarina Poljak, and Fringe Festival veteran and co-founder of
Headlong, David Brick, who returns to the stage alongside his daughter,
Zephyr Saffron Brick.”
*Website:*
https://fringearts.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/instances/a0FUO00000CAdkL2AT
*Accessibility Services:* Audio Description and Sensory Tour; (Shannon
Brooks); Open Captioning; Wheelchair Accessible Seating
ADA Entrance: 124 E Indiana Ave, Philadelphia PA 19134
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/124+E+Indiana+Ave,+Philadelphia+PA+19134?entry=gmail&source=g>
*Special Notes:* To purchase tickets via phone, call the FringeArts box
office at 215.413.1318 <(215)%20413-1318>.
If purchasing online, please check the box for “Audio Description” during
checkout. Then, please email shannonlynnbrooks at gmail.com to confirm your
Audio Description headset and if you have any questions. Please meet 60
mins in the gallery lobby for guided touch tour, headset setup, and
pre-show descriptions.
September 18, 2026 (Friday)
*Event:* The Holy Fool
*Venue:* Ninth Planet, 30th Annual Fringe Festival
The Gym at Impact Services (2953 N Front St, Philadelphia 19133
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/2953+N+Front+St,+Philadelphia%0D%0A19133?entry=gmail&source=g>)
*Time:* 7:30 PM
*Description:* “Grief, absurdity, and heartache collide in this world
premiere dance-theatre piece.
Mother makes dinner. Daughter sets the table. One empty chair. A knock at
the door. The cameras are rolling. Everyone’s watching. The Fool keeps
dancing.
Through the eyes of an American family, The Holy Fool examines the toll of
aging, grieving, and growing up in a culture where normativity is the most
valuable currency — and your everyday life is live-streamed. A thrilling
ghost story unfolds inside a cavernous industrial space, scored by Jordan
McCree and Marty Gottlieb-Hollis’ original music, a hypnotic blend of
trumpet, percussion and synthesizers.
The Holy Fool marks Ninth Planet’s return to the Fringe after a sold out
run of High Noon as part of Cannonball in 2022. This world premiere work of
dance theatre is Co-Directed by Ninth Planet’s Sam Tower and Nia Benjamin,
and collaboratively written by the ensemble, featuring Bi Jean Ngo, Hannah
Gold, Katarina Poljak, and Fringe Festival veteran and co-founder of
Headlong, David Brick, who returns to the stage alongside his daughter,
Zephyr Saffron Brick.”
*Website:*
http://fringearts.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/instances/a0FUO00000CAeBl2AL
Accessibility Services: Audio Description; (Shannon Brooks); Open
Captioning; Wheelchair Accessible Seating
ADA Entrance: 124 E Indiana Ave, Philadelphia PA 19134
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/124+E+Indiana+Ave,+Philadelphia+PA+19134?entry=gmail&source=g>
Special Notes: To purchase tickets via phone, call the FringeArts box
office at 215.413.1318 <(215)%20413-1318>.
If purchasing online, please check the box for “Audio Description” during
checkout. Then, please email shannonlynnbrooks at gmail.com to confirm your
Audio Description headset and if you have any questions. Please meet 60
mins in the gallery lobby for guided touch tour, headset setup, and
pre-show descriptions.
September 25, 2026 (Friday)
*Event:* This Should Never Be A Musical: An Improvised Reality Show
*Venue:* 1812 Productions, Arden Theatre Company
*Time:* 7:00 PM
*Description:* “Part American Idol, part Whose Line Is It Anyway?, part
Waiting for Guffman and 100 percent 1812. This brand new improvised
adventure, which harkens back to 1812's rambunctious improv roots, opens
the season. Each night, the audience will provide the worst musical titles
they can think of, and the actors will improvise songs and scenes from each
one with reality TV-style challenges. The audience will vote on which
musicals move forward in the competition and the winning musical will be
selected at the top of the second act followed by a 30-minute version of
that musical, complete with choreography and costumes.”
*Website:* https://ci.ovationtix.com/35380/production/1274819
*Accessibility Services:* Audio Description; (Joe Barsanti)
*Special Notes:* To purchase tickets via phone, contact the box office at
215.592.9560 <(215)%20592-9560>. Reach out via email at
info at 1812productions.org.
When purchasing tickets, use discount code ADLNBOGO for our Audio Described
performance.
September 27, 2026 (Sunday)
*Event:* Signers Hall Touch Tour
*Venue:* The National Constitution Center
*Time:* 9:00 to 10:30 AM
*Description:* “Created in collaboration with Philly Touch Tours, staff
will guide visitors through a fascinating story telling experience and
interaction with the full size statues of those who added their names to
the Constitution as well as those who dissented. Contact
kmarinello at constitutioncenter.org and bkrisch at constitutioncenter.org to
reserve a spot.”
*Website:* https://constitutioncenter.org/
*Special Notes:* Interested in learning more? Check out this recent NPR
radio segment
<https://www.npr.org/2026/06/18/nx-s1-5835738/museum-blind-disability-america-250>,
which features staff from Philly Touch Tours as well as the National
Constitution Center.
September 30, 2026 (Wednesday)
*Event:* Top/Underdog
*Venue:* People’s Light, Steinbright Stage
*Time:* 2:00 PM, Sensory Tour at 1:00 PM
*Description:* “A Pulitzer Prize winner from celebrated playwright
Suzan-Lori Parks, Topdog/Underdog is a darkly comic fable of brotherly
love. The play tells the story of siblings Lincoln and Booth, whose names,
given to them as a joke, foretell a lifetime of deep-seated rivalry and
resentment. Haunted by their own past and the weight of their namesakes,
the two men must confront their future in a story that takes a searing look
at manhood and family identity.
Company Artist Akeem Davis stars in this production, helmed by acclaimed
Philadelphia director Amina Robinson. Topdog/Underdog is co-produced with
Arden Theatre Company.”
*Website:* https://tickets.peopleslight.org/topdog/105024
*Accessibility Services:* Audio Description and Sensory Tour; (Nicole
Sardella)
*Special Notes:* For tickets please call the Box Office at 610.644.3500
<(610)%20644-3500>, visit peopleslight.org, or email
tickets at peopleslight.org. People’s Light is a proud member of the Art Reach
Access Program. If you have an Access Card, please purchase your tickets
via phone or email and tell the Box Office associate about your Card. If
you would like to RSVP to the Sensory Tour (1pm before the Audio Described
performance), reserve an Audio Description Device, or have any further
questions please email Olivia DiIorio, at diiorio at peopleslight.org
October 1, 2026 (Thursday)
*Event:* Dear Jack, Dear Louise
*Venue:* Montgomery Theater
*Time:* 7:30 PM, Sensory tour at 6:45 PM
*Description:* “Jack, a military doctor stationed in Oregon, and Louise, an
aspiring actress in New York City meet by letter during World War II. For
years, they write to each other, dreaming they may someday meet, but
circumstance always intervenes. Will their love story ever make it off the
page and into real life? In this heartfelt play, two-time Olivier and Tony
Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor, Crazy for You) shares
the true story of his parents’ unlikely courtship with wit, warmth, and
irresistible charm.”
*Website:* https://ci.ovationtix.com/36753/production/1254216
*Accessibility Services:* Audio Description and Sensory Tour; (Nicole
Sardella); Open
Captioning; Wheelchair Accessible Seating; Accessible Parking; Assistive
Listening Devices
*Special Notes:* To RSVP to the sensory tour and reserve an audio
description headset, contact the box office by email at
play at montgomerytheater.org, or by phone at 215.723.9984 <(215)%20723-9984>.
October 4, 2026 (Sunday)
*Event:* Top/Underdog
*Venue:* People’s Light, Steinbright Stage
*Time:* 2:00 PM
*Description:* “A Pulitzer Prize winner from celebrated playwright
Suzan-Lori Parks, Topdog/Underdog is a darkly comic fable of brotherly
love. The play tells the story of siblings Lincoln and Booth, whose names,
given to them as a joke, foretell a lifetime of deep-seated rivalry and
resentment. Haunted by their own past and the weight of their namesakes,
the two men must confront their future in a story that takes a searing look
at manhood and family identity.
Company Artist Akeem Davis stars in this production, helmed by acclaimed
Philadelphia director Amina Robinson. Topdog/Underdog is co-produced with
Arden Theatre Company.” Website:
https://tickets.peopleslight.org/topdog/105032
*Accessibility Services:* Audio Description and Sensory Tour; (Nicole
Sardella); Relaxed Performance; ASL Interpretation; (Hands Up Productions)
*Special Notes:* For tickets please call the Box Office at 610.644.3500
<(610)%20644-3500>, visit peopleslight.org, or email
tickets at peopleslight.org. People’s Light is a proud member of the Art Reach
Access Program. If you have an Access Card, please purchase your tickets
via phone or email and tell the Box Office associate about your Card. If
you would like to RSVP to the Sensory Tour (1pm before the Audio Described
performance), reserve an Audio Description Device, or have any further
questions please email Olivia DiIorio, at diiorio at peopleslight.org
October 4, 2026 (Sunday)
*Event:* A Christmas Carol
*Venue:* Acting Without Boundaries
Centennial Hall Theater, The Haverford School for Boys
27 Railroad Ave, Haverford, Pa, 19041
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/27+Railroad+Ave,+Haverford,+Pa,+19041?entry=gmail&source=g>
Time: 4:00 PM
Description: “Acting Without Boundaries turns this Christmas tale into a
musical! With classic carols and original songs, our audience will be
transported to 19th century London. Ebenezer Scrooge is a miserly man who
cares more about profit than people. After being visited by three ghosts,
will Ebenezer stay with his stingy ways or change for the better? Come find
out on October 4th!”
*Website:*
*https://www.actingwithoutboundaries.org/event/a-christmas-carol/*
<https://www.actingwithoutboundaries.org/event/a-christmas-carol/>
*Accessibility Services:* Open Audio Description; (Hannah Brannau); Open
Captioning; Braille Programs; Relaxed Performance
*Special Notes:* If you have any questions about this performance, call the
AWB office at 610.922.8240 <(610)%20922-8240>, or reach out to Program
Manager, Sharon Yun via email at syun at awb2004.org
October 15, 2026 (Thursday)
*Event:* The Addams Family: The Musical
*Venue:* Walnut Street Theatre
*Time:* 2:00 PM
*Description:* “A comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every
family, THE ADDAMS FAMILY is the magnificently unhinged hit musical
featuring everyone’s favorite creepy, kooky characters. Wednesday Addams is
the ultimate princess of darkness and has fallen in love with a sweet,
smart young man from a respectable family... a man her parents have never
met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, she confides in her father and
begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s
never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia.
Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host
a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.”
*Website:*
https://www.ticketmaster.com/walnut-street-theatres-the-addams-family-philadelphia-pennsylvania-10-15-2026/event/020064C3E3258562
*Accessibility Services:* Audio Description; (Amanda Robin Pasquini)
*Special Notes:* To purchase tickets by phone, call the box office at
215.574.3550 <(215)%20574-3550>.
I hope you will be able to attend many of these events, and I’ll be back in
October!
With best Regards,
Simon Bonenfant, on behalf of the ADLN team.
--
Simon Bonenfant
Outreach Coordinator
Hire Musicians LLC.
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