News release -
The Milton Centre for the Arts is pleased to announce the launch of StageFly: a new application for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch created specifically for the Centre to provide an accessible live entertainment experience to audience members who are Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing.
"I am proud to announce the launch of StageFly at the Milton Centre for the Arts,” said Milton Mayor, Gord Krantz. “We are so excited to have the opportunity to be forerunners in the development of this groundbreaking application, making live performances accessible to the large population of Milton residents who are Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing.”
Thanks to the generosity of TD Bank Group, this live streaming application will allow for the broadcast of American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation within the theatre, making every seat in the house accessible. Designed to make the performing arts inclusive for all facility patrons, StageFly makes every audience member a full participant in the live performance experience.
Development and consultation for the application began in 2011 and involved participation from representatives of both the deaf community of Milton, as well as members of the Milton Accessibility Advisory Committee (MAAC). In order to customize the application to fit the needs of the Milton community, participants attended initial meetings and had the opportunity to test the system and provide feedback throughout the development process.
The system is currently in the final testing phases and staff continue to work with community partners and performing arts groups to assist with the final live trials. Community members who are interested in participating in live trials are invited to contact Milton Centre for the Arts staff at StageFly@milton.ca or 905-878-7252, ext. 4906.
StageFly is designed for use with the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, and will be available for free download through the Apple App Store in the next few weeks. Use of the application during Milton Centre for the Arts performances and shows will begin with the start of the 2014 - 2015 season in September 2014, and a full listing of supported performances will be outlined in the Milton Centre for the Arts 2014 -2015 Season Brochure, which will be available in all Town of Milton facilities and distributed to Milton households through Canada post in early May 2014. Once the application is complete and in use, staff will be working with surrounding performing arts centres to ensure this important tool will be utilized outside of the Milton community.
This exciting application was conceived of, designed and created by Bill Zeilstra of the Milton Centre for the Arts and Sebastian Dwornik of Applied PDA Software through sponsorship funding received through TD Bank Group.
- 30 -
For further information, please contact:
Rob Mackay
Manager, Cultural Services
905-878-7252, ext. 4901
Liliana Busnello
Communications Specialist
905-878-7252, ext. 2154
To arrange an interview or to participate in live trials, please contact:
Bill Zeilstra
Coordinator, Technical Services
905-878-7252, ext. 4906
Mobile: 905-299-1043
StageFly@milton.ca
Sign Up
Milton.com helps you connect and share with the people in your community.