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.
