How to rent a translation device for Broadway shows

A complete guide to multilingual translation devices and subtitle services available at Broadway theaters for tourists from around the world.

Multilingual Translation Device for Broadway Musicals

How to use GalaPro (multilingual subtitle system)
How to rent an audio translation device（Audien）
Broadway musical discount tickets – On sale now!

How to use GalaPro (multilingual subtitle system)

GalaPro is a free app that provides live subtitles in multiple languages on your own smartphone. With subtitle assistance, even if English is not your first language, you can enjoy Broadway shows without missing a single moment.

What is GalaPro on Broadway musical?

GalaPro is a subtitle translation app you can download on your smartphone.

Connect to the theater’s Wi-Fi, select the show you are watching, and enjoy real-time multilingual subtitles that appear in sync with the performance. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in the story as intended by the creators, with live updates throughout the show.

GalaPro is Free to Use

The GalaPro subtitle service can be installed on your smartphone free of charge. Please ensure you have your device ready before attending.

GalaPro FAQ

Using translation on your smartphone in a Broadway theater

You can discreetly view translations on your phone while watching the live performance. The black background and subtle text colors ensure it won’t disturb those around you.

Will the screen light disturb other guests?

The background is black and text is dimly colored, ensuring minimal light disturbance, even at maximum brightness.
Do I need to disable phone notifications?

GalaPro works in airplane mode (with Wi-Fi on), preventing calls and notifications from interrupting your experience.
Is the text easy to read?

In the dark theater environment, the text is clear and legible, with adjustable brightness and font size.

Is it in sync with the show?

GalaPro subtitles are almost perfectly in sync with the music and dialogue, with only a 1–2 second delay in rare cases.

How to use GalaPro in Broadway theater?

Steps to Use GalaPro:

① First, download the GalaPro app.
The translation app “GalaPro” can be downloaded from either the Japan or U.S. Apple Store (or Google Play).

Get it on the Apple Store
Get it on the Google Play

② Open the app and tap the blue “Get Started Now” button.
③ Account registration is required in advance.
④ Enter your email address and password to complete registration.
⑥ On the home screen, select the show you are attending.
⑦ Turn “Closed Captioning” off.
⑧ Turn “Language Translation” on.
⑨ Scroll down and tap the blue “Free” button next to “Japanese.”
⑩ Scroll to the bottom and tap the blue Play button.

⑪ Then, go to your phone’s settings and turn on Airplane Mode.
⑫ Connect to the show’s Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi name: GalaPro-[Show Name] / Password: galapro1).
⑬ The subtitles will appear in red text.

Color Options for Color-Blind Accessibility

Audio translation device in a Broadway theater

While using GalaPro, you can choose between subtitle text colors from the “Settings” screen such as “Gray” and “Pink” (which appears almost red). This feature ensures better readability for those with color vision difficulties.

Although these colors may look faint in the sample image—especially the red text—in a dark theater, both gray and red appear clear and easy to read, so there’s no need to worry.

How to rent an audio translation device（Audien）

An audio translation device is a headset-based system available for rent at select theaters. It allows you to listen to real-time commentary in your preferred language, so even if you are not confident in English, you can still follow the story and enjoy the musical without missing important plot points.

What is a Broadway Audio Translation Device?

For some of Broadway’s most popular shows, theaters offer on-site rental of audio translation devices, such as the “Audien” headset system. The Audien device delivers audio translations directly into your headphones through a small receiver.

While you enjoy the live performance, you will hear scene-by-scene commentary in your chosen language. Note that this is not a direct, line-by-line translation of every spoken word, but rather a concise explanation of the key events and plot developments.

If you focus too much on the device, you may miss the full impact of the live singing and dancing. However, for visitors who want to better follow the storyline, especially if English is not their first language, this service can greatly enhance the experience.

Great News! Broadway Audio Translation Devices Are Free to Use

Since around 2021, there has been no rental fee for audio translation devices. To borrow one, you will need to leave a valid form of identification, such as a passport, as a deposit (photocopies are not accepted). Some visitors may feel uneasy about handing over their passport, but rest assured — staff members keep it securely monitored at all times and will return it immediately when you return the device.

How to Rent an Audio Translation Device

Audio translation device station inside a Broadway theater

The pickup location varies depending on the theater, but most often you can find it in one of these two places:

・At the theater’s box office
・In the main lobby at the back of the orchestra level

In smaller to mid-sized theaters, the station is often located either at the back of the orchestra section or right inside the main entrance. Instead of searching through the crowd, it’s faster to ask a staff member, “Where is the audio translator?” and they will direct you to the right place.

Audio translation devices available in Broadway theatres

To be honest, not many Broadway theatres are equipped with audio translation devices yet. They are more commonly found in major Disney productions or other long-running shows. You can check if a device is available for your chosen show in the “Basic Information” section of each show page on our website.

Even on Broadway, smaller theatres or newly opened productions may not offer these devices. Look for this sign inside the theatre — if it says “Available at this theater,” it means either an audio translation device or a text-based translation option is available.