Sound Design

Sound Designer

Responsible for the sound design and the implementation, loading-in, maintenance, and striking of the sound equipment necessary for a particular production. This position may be combined with that of the Master Electrician or with that of the Sound Board Operator. On occasion, a sound technician may be assigned to assist with set-up of equipment, mics, etc.

Responsibilities

Rehearsal Period

  • Reads and studies the play.  Discusses sound design with the Director.
  • Gathers all sound effects and/or music required for the production for approval by the Director.
  • Consults with the Staff Production Manager and Technical Director regarding the availability of sound output devices and determines the most efficient method for sound production and/or reinforcement.
  • All designers meet with Director(s), Production Manager and Technical Director with preliminary designs in hand on the "Preliminary Design Due" date on the Department Calendar.
  • Creates a sound tape or plot by the "Sound Plot Due" deadline on the Department Calendar. Collaborates with the Director and Stage Manager in setting cues and sound levels, providing the Stage Manager with preliminary Sound Cue Sheets as per the "Preliminary Q Sheets Due" deadline on the Department Calendar.
  • Determines if voice and/or musician reinforcement is necessary and consults with the Production Manager/ and Technical Director regarding type and placement of microphones and speakers.
  • Attends Stagger through/Stumble through/First Run through.
  • Submits weekly Production Budget Reports to the Staff Production Manager.

Load-In Period

  • The Sound Designer insures the safe and efficient cabling and dressing of all speakers, headsets, boards, monitors, and other equipment, and trains the Sound Board Operator if necessary.
  • The Sound Designer helps maintain the Sound Room in a safe, neat, and organized manner throughout the rehearsal period.
  • All headsets will be setup, tested, and in good working order prior to the first Technical Rehearsal.

Dress Rehearsal/Performance Period

  • Ensures that all sound effects, sound tapes/CDs/Minidiscs, and music is ready by the "Sound Recording Due" deadline on the Department Calendar.
  • Ensures that all mics have fresh batteries  
  • Once all sound cues, special effects, etc., have been established, the Sound Designer records a master sound CD which is to be kept in a safe place. This master can be used in the event of an emergency such as a show tape breaking, a CD being scratched, etc.
  • Attends at least one final Run through.
  • Attends Paper Tech
  • Attends Dry Tech if held
  • Attends Cue to Cue rehearsal.
  • Attends all Technical and Dress Rehearsals making notes of any details yet to be completed.
  • Ensures that appropriate people and/or organizations are thanked in the program for their contributions to the production. 

After Final Performance

  • During Strike, the Sound Designer will collaborate with the AN Student Manager and Master Sound Technician in returning sound equipment to storage and insuring all items are returned in good condition. The Sound Designer is responsible for striking all sound equipment, cables, speakers, headsets, microphones, and so on.  
  • Sound Designer is also responsible for cleaning and neatening the Sound Room during the PostStrike period.