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Fine Arts: Drama


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SOUND DESIGNER: PRODUCTION TEAM JOB DESCRIPTION

Music is "the" Universal Language

by Tom McLaughlin

September 17, 2005

The sound designer is responsible for identifying, locating, and taping or producing live all the sounds needed in the production. The sound designer is responsible for running the soundboard during technical rehearsals and performances. The following is a list of specific times which need to be done and a time-frame for accomplishing your tasks.

Before Rehearsals Begin

Begun    Done

�      ____    ____ Read the play.
�      ____    ____ Meet with the director and stage manager to determine sound needs: introduction, blackouts, intermission music, and sound effects.
�      ____    ____ Make a list of all sound cues. (See attached sample). Mark all sound cues in the script.
�      ____    ____ Add the director's notes to your script.
�      ____    ____ Become very familiar with the audio equipment in your booth. Learn the capabilities of the equipment.
�      ____    ____ Together with the technical director, make a list of everything your crew needs to do.
�      ____    ____ Make a production time line establishing deadline dates.

During the First Weeks of the Rehearsal Period

Begun    Done

�      ____    ____ Organize a crew. Teach them to use the sound equipment in the booth.
�      ____    ____ Give the crew a list of music and sound effects needed for the production. Determine who will locate each item needed. Libraries have sound effects tapes and so do local college theatre departments. Give them a call. Sometimes you need to invent a sound on a synthesizer. Don't overlook your own music department.
�      ____    ____ Record each sound effect ON A DIFFERENT TAPE and label each cassette.
�      ____    ____ Meet with the stage manager and/or the director for approval of the sound you have recorded.

During the Mid-Rehearsal Period

Begun    Done

�      ____     ____ Make a rehearsal tape for use during rehearsal. Give the cassette to the stage manager and assign a crew member to be present for sound purposes during rehearsal. A small tape recorder is usually sufficient for these rehearsals.
�      ____    ____ During the rehearsals prior to tech weeks, make a sound plot cue sheet. Revise as needed before tech week.
�      ____    ____ Meet with the stage manager. Give the sound plot sheet toe ht stage manager who will call the sound cues to you during the show.
�      ____    ____ MAKE A BACK-UP TAPE OF ALL SOUND USED IN THE SHOW. Give the back-up tape to the stage manager.
�      ____    ____ Check the headsets. If batteries are needed, buy them and some back-ups.
�      ____    ____ Compliment and thank your crew.

During Technical Week

          Begun    Done

�      ____    ____ Cue all tapes.
�      ____    ____ Meet with the stage manager to review all sound cues before the rehearsal begins.
�      ____    ____ Make adjustments as needed. Meet with the stage manager to agree on all changes, substitutions, modifications, etc.
�      ____    ____ REVISE THE BACK-UP TAPE IF CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE.
�      ____    ____ Compliment and thank your crew.
�      ____    ____ Secure all tapes and headsets before leaving and turn off the sound equipment.

During the Run of the Show

          Begun    Done

�      ____    ____ Arrive at lease � hour before the first cast/crew call. Set up all sound equipment and check all sound cues.
�      ____    ____ Run a sound cue check when stage manager calls for it.
�      ____    ____ Cue all tapes.
�      ____    ____ Run the show according to the cues called by the stage manager.
�      ____    ____ Before closing night write a letter to the person who have your position for the next show. Give that person advice based on your experience. File the letter in your 3-ring binder behind your job description.
�      ____    ____ Compliment and thank your crew.
�      ____    ____ Before you leave the booth, secure all tapes and headsets. Turn off all the equipment.

During Strike

          Begun    Done

�      ____    ____ Give the tapes to the stage manager. Store the headsets.
�      ____    ____ Return any borrowed equipment, cables, etc.
�      ____    ____ Compliment and thank your crew.
�      ____    ____ Check out with the stage manager.

 

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