NEW PAGE – UNDER CONSTRUCTION
This page describes the stages that a theatre sound designer should go through when taking on the role. The sound design process is broken down into a number of stages, which require different types of engagement with the project, from completely creative (reading the script and coming up with ideas with the director) to completely technical (specifying the system for playback / reinforcement).
It’s not ‘sound design explained’ as there’s a lot more to it, but it will give you an overview of what happens in what order.
Sound design for a musical is very different from a play, which is very different from an immersive site-specific installation, so this is a loose guide!
While this page is under construction, here are some videos to help.
Step One: Read The Script
Step Two: Discuss Ideas With the Director
Step Three: Determine Style
Step Four: Lists
| Cue No. | Sound | Action / Notes | Timing | Page No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preshow Music | Play loop as audience are entering | 4 minute loop | 0 |
| 1A | Fade out preshow | Fade out as houselights fade | 7 second fade | 0 |
| 2 | Cityscape #1 | Very quiet, under scene 1 | 8 minutes, played twice | 1 - 4 |
| 3 | Crossfade into Crickets background | End of scene 1, crickets play through scene change | 1 minute 30 seconds | 4 |
| 4 | Car arrives | Just before Clive enters | 12 secs | 7 |
| 5 | Fade out crickets | With lighting blackout | 5 seconds | 9 |
Step Five: System
- Sound Playback
- Sound Reinforcement
Step Six: Running
See also:
Keywords: Sound Design for Theatre, Theatre Sound Design