Billed as the worlds largest community theatre, the Omaha Community Playhouse offers opportunities in performing, technical work, and support categories to more than 2,000 community volunteers by way of its ongoing theatrical presentations, education, and outreach programs, as well as the efforts of its professional touring division, the Nebraska Theatre Caravan. (Henry Fonda and Marlon Brando, among others, began their careers there.) While the theatre has consistently received reviewer accolades for its performances, sets, and other support logistics, it has received criticism for its production audio.
Tim Burkhart, who oversees the design systems group for Midwest Sound & Lighting, Inc., was called in to help resolve the theatres problems. Both myself and John Gibilisco, who is the staff sound designer for the theatre, have worked together in theatrical sound for over 20 years, said Burkhart. Throughout the season, the Omaha Playhouse presents performances in the facilities two adjacent theaters simultaneously. The Listen IR systems work well in the facility because they allow the box office to simply hand out receivers to be used in either of the theaters without concern for channel selection or crosstalk.
The Listen Technologies Stationary IR System delivers audio wirelessly from the theater sound system to the ears of patrons. People who use the small receiver can better hear what the actors are saying. It creates a much more enriching experience. If you cant hear whats being said it can be frustrating. This assistive listening system not only helps people hear the play, but it also allows the Omaha Community Playhouse to comply with ADA regulations.