The CaptionPoint Form

• For each Performance, we'll have you fill out a CaptionPoint Form.
• In this form, you'll be asked to send us the name of the performance, when the first captioned date needs to be, and you'll upload a specially-formatted text-only version of the script (a "caption-ready version", see below). You'll also be asked for payment in advance for each Performance. You will be able to return to this Form later, so if you want to book the date for captions early but don't have the finalized script yet, you'll be able to add it later.
• On your own time (but no later than 3 weeks before the first performance…we'll send you reminder emails!), you will send us a formatted copy of the script in text format (.txt, .doc, .docx, etc.) only—no .pdfs. We'll need this script in the following format:

The Caption-Ready Script

• All original stage directions removed, including page numbers and any other non-dialogue information (just character names and corresponding dialogue). Correct any spelling, grammar, punctuation or capitalization mistakes you see; we will no longer make those changes.
• If your particular performance has sound cues that you would like to have described (transitional music, phones or doorbells ringing, important ambient sounds, for example), you can make a note of where they appear in the script and we'll format those for you.
• Include any known cuts/adjustments/changes in the script for the production. This would include any pre-or-post-show speeches, too.
• Once you get us this formatted text version of the script (the "caption-ready version"), we'll do a rough parsing of the script into the CaptionPoint system. For the most part we will try to adhere to no more than 2-3 lines of dialogue per caption slide, but know that the timing will not be exact, as we are no longer asking you to send us a video or audio archive of the show (I think that this will actually be a relief for some of you!).
• Instead, we will send you a link to an online editor that shows your caption-parsed script on the left and the corresponding caption slide on the right. Your edits to the script will automatically be saved as you make them, and you will be able to add, delete, and adjust slides, create new sound descriptions, and combine slides, if needed. You'll even be able to run the captions using this online editor, to practice timing with your show.
• Once your captions are exactly the way you want them, you can let us know with the click of a button. We'll then convert your slides to a standalone file that can be opened in any browser on any computer, even one that isn't connected to the internet.
• Along with the file of your captions, we'll send instructions on how to run the captions for any of your performances, and you'll continue make theater more inclusive to everyone!

Please Note!

• The CaptionPoint Team will be parsing the script that you give us into usable captions, but cannot “fine-tune” these captions for timing or add sound descriptions that you do not give us in the initial script.
• For this reason, we won’t be responsible if your captions don’t match what your actors are speaking on stage!
• We will, however, be happy to offer basic advice on how to add sound descriptions to your script!