What is Sound Design?

Despite a long history of technical theatre innovation, the most significant advances in sound technology for live performance have been since the 1980s. 
There are two distinct aspects to the role of sound designer for theatre, which can be split into the [Technical] aspects (e.g knowing and specifying the appropriate equipment to suit the production requirements and venue size, in other words, creating the System which enables the audience to hear the production), and the [Creative] aspects (e.g. designing and mixing an atmospheric underscore to complement the emotional intensity of the production, in other words, creating the Content which is heard by the audience). 
Things have moved on from the sound ‘design’ being the addition of a handful of sound effects, while the rest of the show has nothing. The sound designer is responsible for everything the audience hears as they enter the venue, and throughout the performance, and while many traditional plays have no requirement for soundscapes and environmental atmospheres in the script, many modern productions make excellent use of the technological possibilities. 

The function of sound in the theatre

  • Audibility [Technical] To ensure the audience can hear the performers as required by the style of the show.
  • Audibility [Technical] To ensure any live music can be heard by the audience and performers.
  • Attention [Technical / Creative] To ensure the audience can clearly hear a particular moment that is important, and would not be audible otherwise. 
  • Mood [Creative] Is there a soundtrack running during scenes which helps the actors convey the mood of the scene? Is it a piece of music which the audience may be familiar with, or a series of musical notes creating a sort of ‘drone’ which creates a sense of unease? 
  • Time/Place/Weather [Creative] Can recorded sound effects be used to help the audience understand the location, atmosphere or environment of the scene? 
  • Enhance [Creative] Using recorded sound to help the director to create a believable world for the play.
  • Extend [Creative] Choosing appropriate sounds to convey actions or activities that take place off-stage, or to make an on-stage action more believable. 

How are these functions achieved? 

  • Suitable combination of equipment to ensure sound reaches all audience members to the volume and quality required.
  • For a musical, ensuring the mix between performers and band is correct for the audience in all parts of the auditorium, and that the performers can hear the band, and the band members can hear the performers.
  • Reading the script and immersing yourself in the world of the play as written. 
  • Making notes of any ideas about sound effects or atmospheres that could be used to enhance the production. 
  • Discussing ideas with the director, lighting and scenic designers about how to enhance the physical world on the stage. 
  • Attending rehearsals to help develop a suitable soundtrack for particular sequences, and playing effects, musical tracks or snippets to help the actors and director in rehearsal. 
  • Choosing a suitable method for playback of recorded sound (e.g. Qlab) and ensuring any live sound sources on stage have the required level of control and number of staff to manage microphones and equipment. 

 

 

> More on the Sound Topics page

Shows that use sound in interesting ways, with resources: