2020 AA - Sound Design

the role of the SOUND designer

If you chose to serve on the SOUND DESIGN TEAM for this semester's Advanced Acting show, you are responsible for participating in design team meetings as well as growing as a designer during the rehearsal and performance process.

If serving on the Sound Design Team, you are ALSO responsible for independently learning about the role of a sound designer as outlined below.

Please be sure you have your Google Classroom Process Journal (to reflect on your process/journey).

learning about SOUND design

complete before CLASS-time ON FRIDAY, 11/20:

Do (Formative Grade): Create your own Sound Design or Sound Effects "Needs" spreadsheet (by carefully reading the script for these needs).

Once your Sound/SFX List is complete, turn it in to KP for a grade. See IAWL - Design Spreadsheet in Google Classroom. Note: This assignment was given on 11/11/20 and won't be accepted past 11/20/20.

complete before CLASS-time ON tuesday, 11/24:

Understand: All design begins with reading the SCRIPT.

From there, designers INTERPRET the script (and also meet with the director to understand her/his vision), do RESEARCH for their designs (i.e. time period, style, etc.), come up with an overall DESIGN CONCEPT (to make all designs cohesive), create preliminary SKETCHES, and then create PROTOTYPES, DESIGN BOARDS, RENDERINGS and/or MODELS (so that others will understand what the final product will look like and how it will function). This is the DESIGN PROCESS that we will also be using in Advanced Acting for our show - regardless of the design area you chose.

Watch: Designing Sound for Theatre (6:55)

(Google Classroom) Process Journal Entry Title: Role of a Sound Designer (week 13)

What is the role of a sound engineer? (stated right away)
What is the role of a sound designer? (stated right away)
This designer at the beginning of the video says that she doesn't just "pick sounds to go in places". Instead she does what?
In what ways does the sound designer work WITH the cast and director? Describe the collaboration PROCESSES you observed, and think about the way YOU can stay connected with rehearsals and the director in our show.
What advice does the sound designer give? List several. (5:25-6:44)

Watch: The Sound Designer - In the Wings - Stagecraft 101 (6:52)

(Google Classroom) Process Journal Entry Title: Sound Design (week 13)

What is a sound designer responsible for? (stated right away - list all stated)
A sound designer is "trying not to be" what?
What skills do you need as a sound designer? (2:45)
What does a sound designer need to be able to do when (s)he reads a play? (3:30)
What sounds does a sound designer START with?

Watch: The Beautiful Lies of Sound Design | Tasos Fratzolas | TEDxAthens (17:01)

(Google Classroom) Process Journal Entry Title: The lies of Sound Design (week 13)

What did you learn about creating your OWN sound effects by watching this video?
Describe how the SOURCE (where the sound is coming FROM) does/should impact sound.
What are ambiances? (Think about if any may be needed in our show. Keep in mind, this is more important in film than on stage, but they could still be needed for some stage shows.)
How can sound effects tap into emotional memory? (Think about if there are any emotional memory sound effects that could be effective in our show.)

Do: Work on your sound design/cues and/or sound effects (and props needed for SFX).

complete before CLASS-time ON WEDNESDAY, 12/2:

Watch: The Magic of Making Sound (6:32)

(Google Classroom) Process Journal Entry Title: Making Sound Effects (week 14)

What did you learn about creating sound effects by watching this video?

Watch: Creating Frankenstein: Sound Design | Abbey Theatre (4:40)

(Google Classroom) Process Journal Entry Title: Sound for the Stage (week 14)

What does sound design do? (stated right away - list 3 ways)
What does the designer look for in the script?
Where does the designer "work" during REHEARSALS and why?
What can sound design create on stage? (3:30)

Watch: Qlab Tutorial | Basics Episode 1 "First Steps" (7:51)

(Google Classroom) Process Journal Entry Title: Qlab Notes (week 14)

(Take notes on the basics of Qlab, which is the program used to run sounds cues during a show. You will be learning more from John, but you need to know the basics first.)

Do: Continue working on your sound design/cues and/or sound effects (and props needed for SFX).

complete before CLASS-time ON friday, 12/4:

Communicate: Talk with John (and other team members) about your needs for sound and SFX. Work through a plan with John about how to complete loading all sound cues into Qlab by rehearsal on Friday, 12/11. Note: You MUST get your sound cues approved by Ms. Price BEFORE loading them into Qlab. This should be done on Wednesday, 12/9.

NOTE: ALL SOUND CUES AND SOUND EFECTS MUST BE CHOSEN, TESTED, AND READY IN QLAB (SOUND CUES) OR ON STAGE (SOUND EFFECTS) BY FRIDAY, 12/11, SO THAT FRIDAY'S REHEARSALS CAN RUN WITH BOTH. Please plan to stay after school as needed to complete this task before 12/11. Also be sure that if you need additional resources or people present to help you plan for a successful rehearsal with sound/SFX, that you have scheduled those things/people in advance. Lastly, be sure that the BOARD OPERATOR knows what (s)he must do prior to our rehearsal on 12/11.

complete before CLASS-time ON wednesday, 12/9:

Watch: Behind the Scenes at Disney's Aladdin

(Google Classroom) Process Journal Entry Title: Calltime / Pre-Show Checklist (week 15)

1. In professional theatre, as shown in this video, what are the (specific) tasks performed by YOUR assigned role prior to a show?

2. What are some of the things that YOU could put on YOUR Pre-Show checklist to be sure our show runs smoothly? (Think of ALL the things necessary from the time you enter the black box until the show starts, including things like "Where do I put my personal belongings?" or "Where should this prop be pre-set?" or "What's the best place for this quick change to happen?" Etc. Don't forget to include "sign in" on your checklist.)

Do (Formative Grade): You will create YOUR Pre-Show Checklist with ALL tasks to consider prior to the show. This MUST be well-thought out and completed/hung up PRIOR to the FIRST dress/tech rehearsal. (You will also create a copy in Google Classroom - "Pre-Show Personal Checklist - will be uploaded by Friday 11/20" Type and print your checklist (with your name in large font at the top) and hang in a designated area backstage. (Keep in mind that you will most likely need to add to this list from things you learn or are reminded of in dress/tech rehearsals.