Sound Design for the Stage

Sound Design for the Stage is a practical guide to designing, creating, and developing sound for live performances, with numerous examples from high-profile productions. It covers topics such as script analysis, working with directors, recorded and live music, acoustics, vocal intelligibility, and sound system design, and offers advice on finding work and negotiating contracts.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 224 pages
\n Publication date: 25 March 2019
\n Publisher: The Crowood Press Ltd
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Sound Design for the Stage is a comprehensive and practical guide to designing, creating, and developing sound for live performances. Written by an experienced industry professional, the book takes readers through the entire process of creating a show, from initial contact to press night, with numerous examples from high-profile productions. The author's detailed but accessible approach ensures that key insights into the fast-moving industry are provided, covering topics such as script analysis, working with directors, emotional storytelling, recorded and live music, sound recording, processing, and abstraction, devised work, acoustics, vocal intelligibility, radio mics, vocal foldback, sound system design, and troubleshooting. Additionally, the guide offers helpful advice on finding work and negotiating contracts, making it particularly valuable for emerging sound designers and directors who focus on the creative and collaborative process between sound designers, directors, performers, and writers.

Introduction:
Sound Design for the Stage is a vital resource for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the field of live performance sound design. With its comprehensive coverage of the entire process, from script analysis to sound system design, the book provides a thorough understanding of the skills and techniques required to create stunning soundscapes for the stage. Whether you are an emerging sound designer or a seasoned professional looking to expand your knowledge and skills, this guide will be invaluable to you.

Chapter 1: Script Analysis:
In this chapter, the author discusses the importance of script analysis in sound design. They explain how to read a script and identify key themes, characters, and dialogue that can be used to create sound effects and music. The author also provides examples of how sound design can enhance the emotional impact of a scene and how to work with directors to achieve the desired sound effects.

Chapter 2: Working with Directors:
In this chapter, the author discusses the importance of working closely with directors to achieve the desired sound effects. They explain how to communicate effectively with directors and how to interpret their vision for the show. The author also provides examples of how sound design can be used to create specific moods and atmospheres and how to work with performers to achieve the desired sound effects.

Chapter 3: Emotional Storytelling:
In this chapter, the author discusses the role of sound design in emotional storytelling. They explain how sound effects and music can be used to create specific emotions and how to use sound to enhance the narrative of a show. The author also provides examples of how sound design can be used to create tension, suspense, and drama and how to work with performers to achieve the desired sound effects.

Chapter 4: Recorded and Live Music:
In this chapter, the author discusses the use of recorded and live music in sound design. They explain how to select and use recorded music to enhance the sound of a show and how to work with musicians to create live music that complements the sound effects and music. The author also provides examples of how sound design can be used to create unique and innovative soundscapes for the stage.

Chapter 5: Sound Recording, Processing, and Abstraction:
In this chapter, the author discusses the process of sound recording, processing, and abstraction. They explain how to record sound effects and music using digital and analog equipment and how to process and manipulate sound using software such as Pro Tools and Ableton Live. The author also provides examples of how sound design can be used to create unique and innovative soundscapes for the stage.

Chapter 6: Devised Work:
In this chapter, the author discusses the role of sound design in devised work. They explain how to work with performers to create soundscapes that are tailored to the specific needs of the show and how to collaborate with directors and writers to develop soundscapes that enhance the narrative of the show. The author also provides examples of how sound design can be used to create immersive and interactive experiences for the audience.

Chapter 7: Acoustics and Vocal Intelligibility:
In this chapter, the author discusses the importance of acoustics in sound design. They explain how to design sound systems that are suitable for the specific venue and how to ensure that vocalists and performers can be heard clearly by the audience. The author also provides examples of how sound design can be used to create immersive and interactive experiences for the audience.

Chapter 8: Radio Mics and Vocal Foldback:
In this chapter, the author discusses the use of radio mics and vocal foldback in sound design. They explain how to select and use radio mics to ensure that performers can be heard clearly by the audience and how to use vocal foldback to create a seamless and immersive experience for the audience. The author also provides examples of how sound design can be used to create unique and innovative soundscapes for the stage.

Chapter 9: Sound System Design:
In this chapter, the author discusses the process of designing a sound system for a live performance. They explain how to select and use audio equipment such as speakers, microphones, and mixing consoles and how to ensure that the sound system is suitable for the specific venue and the size of the audience. The author also provides examples of how sound design can be used to create unique and innovative soundscapes for the stage.

Chapter 10: Troubleshooting:
In this chapter, the author discusses the importance of troubleshooting in sound design. They explain how to identify and resolve technical issues that may arise during a live performance and how to ensure that the sound system is running smoothly throughout the show. The author also provides examples of how sound design can be used to create unique and innovative soundscapes for the stage.

Conclusion:
Sound Design for the Stage is a comprehensive and practical guide to designing, creating, and developing sound for live performances. With its extensive coverage of the entire process, from script analysis to sound system design, the book provides a thorough understanding of the skills and techniques required to create stunning soundscapes for the stage. Whether you are an emerging sound designer or a seasoned professional looking to expand your knowledge and skills, this guide will be invaluable to you.

\n Weight: 626g\n
Dimension: 242 x 193 x 12 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781785005534\n \n