Theatrical Sound Designer :: Essays Papers

Theatrical Sound Designer The live on recording source is responsible for handling the audio requirements of a theatrical performance. This includes the creation of thinking(a) effect cues, sound reinforcement, mixing, and possibly Foley. Sound formers develop the aural, or sound, cues decisive to plays mood. Running water, traffic, the murmuring of a crowd or the strains of euphony are the kinds of sound effects used as an full part of a production. (Mauro p.96) Along with the creation of sound, the sound designer must work in concert with all members of the design team from the luminance designer to the set designer, in order to create a entire package.One of the first jobs a sound designer has is to read the hired man and create an effects cue sheet. A cue sheet is a list of the sound effects needed during a performance as determined by stage direction or intuition, such as a telephone ring, thunder, or the sound of a passing train. These sound effects may be created live during the performance using Foley, only more often than not the sound designer will utilise a keyboard and sampler, a CD player, or even a cassette tapeline deck.Depending on the theater the sound designer may have to employ some sound reinforcement techniques, such as micing the actors with wireless microphones or placing microphone such as PZMs on or around the stage. only of these signals are then routed through a mixing broad, which the sound designer operates during the performance.Although no formal training is required, experience in audio engineering, music theory, and basic stagecraft would be very beneficial. Working in radio or for a studio that dubs sound cues in music could provide nice experience. (Mauro p.102) Most literature recommends an apprenticeship for breaking into the business, tacking a position as a sound person for example. A sound person implements the requirements further forth by sound designers and might also be judge to place the microphon es and speakers. A sound person can expect to exculpate anywhere from $250 to $1250 a week. (Field p.271-273) Depending on the market and venue a sound designer can expect to make $300-$1000 a week, to $100,000 a show for a Broadway production.