Stagetext is thrilled to learn the news that loved and respected theatre Captioner and Audio Describer, Roz Chalmers, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire). The news of the award came at the weekend, in the announcement of King Charles III’s Birthday Honours list, and was given in recognition for services to the arts and to people with sensory impairments.
Roz has worked and supported Stagetext from the very start of the organisation’s creation in 2000. She was one of our first captioners and an integral part of our success in those early years and beyond. She is a highly skilled and respected captioner who works with venues like the National Theatre and The Old Vic. As well as being a captioner, she is also a skilled trainer and teaches on Stagetext’s captioner training course. Her skill, attention to detail and dedication to access have helped Stagetext to grow and train a new generation of captioners, who are now working in theatres around the country.
Not content with being a skilled captioner, Roz is also a valued Audio Describer who works with our friends at the access charity VocalEyes, helping to develop and support audio description services for theatres, museums, galleries and so much more.
Her passion for her work and for access has helped thousands of deaf and visually impaired people to access and enjoy the arts. She is dedicated to her work and making sure that quality access comes first. Her passion and care are felt in whatever she does.
Melanie Sharpe, Stagetext’s Chief Executive commented on the news, ‘Roz is a much-treasured part of Stagetext and a key ingredient in making the organisation what it is today. Her dedication to access has no limits and she has been a constant support in Stagetext’s growth for over twenty years. From myself, the staff and the board, both past and present, congratulations on this well-deserved award.’
Image: Roz Chalmers (second from the left) pictured with Stagetext’s founders and very first captioners.
