Resources

Creative Captioning Report

This report presents findings from the VX Lab – Creative Captioning which took place in autumn 2025 in London and Leicester.

The Lab specifically investigated the use of captions in bi-lingual productions. It looked at colour, style and language indicators and explored the tension between creativity and accessibility, particularly how to balance the two.

This lab provides concrete evidence for what our community of disabled artists have always known: captioning isn’t just access – it’s art. It should sit alongside light, sound, costume, and set as a creative opportunity for theatre-makers of all stripes.

Josh Elliott, VX Artistic Director

With the Labs findings, we consider who captions are for, and offer guidance on how to be intentional and clear in their use. We also examine how power and privilege may influence language choices and translation.

The report is designed to inform industry peers – venues, producers, theatre-makers and designers – of questions to ask and approaches to adopt and develop as part of a creative captioning process.

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