EN | FR

LISTEN TO THE MOVEMENT.

Live audio description is a verbal translation of the visual and sensorial world of live performance so audience members who are blind or partially-sighted can access the richness of what’s happening on stage.

I am trained as an Audio Describer by Enora Rivière through Danse-cité. I approach audio description as a creative and collaborative extension of performance. The aim is to offer as complete an experience as possible, conveying the unique aesthetic of the work and drawing listeners into the performance from start to finish.

How does it typically work?

  • I prepare a script based on video material and observing rehearsals. I pay attention to many elements, such as, movement, gestures, lighting, costumes, set, generated sensations, imagery, and more.

  • I host a pre-show introduction with listeners. This might include a tactile tour of the set or props, an exploration of the performance space, and the chance to connect with key movement themes or descriptive language ahead of time.

  • Seated in a quiet location (e.g. closed tech booth) with a direct view or a live video-feed of the stage, I perform and adapt the script live during the show. Audience members listen to my voice through headphones connected to an app on their phone.

  • I join the artists and audience for a relaxed and reflective conversation on the shared experience.

exampleS

INUIT HIGH KICK (2026)

Dance film directed by Alethea Arnaquq-Baril

Audio Description and voice by Alida Esmail, made possible by the collaboration between Regards Hybrides and Danse-Cité.

Demo - Inuit High Kick (english)
Alida Esmail

ODEHIMIN (2026)

Dance film directed by Kijâtai-Alexandra Veillette-Cheezo

Audio Description by Georges-Nicolas Tremblay, translated by Marie-Claire Forté, adapted and voiced by Alida Esmail.

Made possible by the collaboration between Regards Hybrides and Danse-Cité.

Demo - Odehimin (english)
Alida Esmail

TRADITIONAL HEALING (2026)

Dance film directed by Raymond Caplin

Audio Description by Georges-Nicolas Tremblay, translated by Marie-Claire Forté, adapted and voiced by Alida Esmail.

Made possible by the collaboration between Regards Hybrides and Danse-Cité.

Demo - Traditional Healing (english)
Alida Esmail

anxiety (2025)

Live performance choreographed by Simik Komaksiutiksak

Audio Description by Stéphanie Fromentin, Emmalie Ruest and Alida Esmail, co-written with Enora Rivière and with vocal coaching from Gaétan Paré.

Produced by Danse-cité in collaboration with Montréal, arts interculturels (MAI).

Demo - Anxiety (français)
Alida Esmail

let’s make your work more accessible.

Share your audio description needs, projects, goals or any questions you have and I’ll be in touch to chat next steps!