Theatrical Sound Designer :: Essays Papers

Theatrical Sound Designer The sound designer is responsible for handling the audio requirements of a theatrical performance. This includes the creation of sound effect cues, sound reinforcement, mixing, and possibly Foley. â€Å"Sound designers develop the aural, or sound, cues crucial to play’s mood. Running water, traffic, the murmuring of a crowd or the strains of music are the kinds of sound effects used as an integral 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 lighting designer to the set designer, in order to create a total package. One of the first jobs a sound designer has is to read the script 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, but more often than not the sound designer will utilize a keyboard and sampler, a CD player, or even a cassette tape 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. All 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. â€Å"Working in radio or for a studio that dubs sound cues in music could provide excellent 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 but forth by sound designers and might also be expected to place the microphones and speakers. A sound person can expect to make 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.