Sound: -Sound = key element in presentation -Projection of voice = expression -Theatre evolved + grew = need for increased voice

projection and volume for audience -Not only do actors need to raise their voices, but also retain high voice quality for every louder pitch and volume -Structure of theatres are important to the projection of sound. -Acoustics: Qualities that determine the audibility and pureness of the sound in actors voices -Must be considered when presenting a production Sound Equipment: -Various equipment used for different purposes (amplication, sound effects, and music) -Two main categories of sound equipment: -Amplication equipment: used to increase the volume of actors voices, allowing the whole audience to her the onstage dialogue -Recording equipment: for adding music and sound effects Amplication Equipment: -Consists of microphones, ampliers, and speakers, connected via wires -Accuracy of sound = depends on quality of the system, but more on the skills of the sound technician Microphone: Device that receives sound waves and changes them into electrionic impulses -Several types include: -General Purpose mike: For backstage lines or announcements during productions -Picks up sound from one direction, best works when spoken from one-two feet away -Close up mike: Ideal for musical productions -Cordless, can move around stage -Apron Mike: Used in choral numbers and straight plays -Can pick up sounds from multiple directions = amplify a whole production -Rie Microphone: Long range but narrow sound pickup system -Acoustics are poor = rie is the best solution -Can be suspended above the stage for critical action parts or segments -Overhead miking = only for one-set shows, multiple sets = constant lowering and raising of microphone -Radio Mike: Placed on the actor itself, mainly for professional productions Ampliers and Mixers: -Amplier = increases the strength of a sound signal, and outputs it to a speaker or such. -Have multiple inputs for various mikes, and various outputs for different auditorium speakers scattered on/off stage -Mixer = useful tool for the sound operator to ne tune any sound -When received, operator can adjust each input of sound, and send it to the speakers

-Can also supply sound outputs to other sound effect machines Speakers: -Project the sound Three types include: -Tweeters: Reproduce high-pitched sounds -Midrange: Reproduce middle range sounds -Woofers: Produce low pitched sounds -Ringing: High-pitched sound caused due to mike volume that is too high -Feedback: The ear piercing sound heard when amplied sound is fed back to the mikes picking up the original sound. Often caused by dropping a mike, placing two speakers facing each other, or moving a microphone below the stage Solutions = Anti-feedback unit: Locates feedback to eliminate it Compressors: Senses loud sounds, and eliminates them Intercom Systems: -Separate from general amplication system, consist of base amplier, headsets, and either battery packs or pernament stations where headsets can be plugged in, allow communication between stage manager and the sound crew Recording Equipment: -Use of seperate media players, such as CD,Tape, and MP3 players can produce sound effects on their own to be projected through the amplication system onstage during the performance -Basic sound effects can be projected through a sound-effects board, which are then introduced via specic buttons that activate it when pressed Sound Effects: -Essential for most productions -Two kinds commonly used on stage: -Live Sound Effects: made by specic props to amplify the specic sound (ex a phone ringing is done by the cue sent from a soundboard signal) -Made by special machines (Thunder for example, is produced by bashing sheets of iron that hang above), but can also be produced through inexpensive, everyday objects (use creativity) -Recorded Sound Effects: more popular in the modern age of theatre productions -Use of media players containing the sounds can reproduce the desired effect from a recording of the effect at specic moments in the play -Works great if the device can be incooperated with the sounds systems, giving an authenticity feel of it being a real-life sound -Many ways to source and nd sound effects for productions: -Theater companies can provide sound effects on CDs or Tapes for a small fee -Recordings can be found on the internet and such, but may be copyrighted -You can produce sound effects yourself, via musical instruments or a computer program Planning Sound: -Use of music before and during the production add a subtle professional touch to the play, select music that matches the tone and mood of the whole performance -Monitor volume in case audience noise disrupts the ow of music

-Sound Plot: -Shows the piecs of equipment that will be used in the process of projecting the sounds towards the audience, including their settings for each required sound (speech volume, music, sound effects etc.) -Sound cue sheet: Includes each sound effect, its cue , the point in the script where its supposed to come in, its volume, and length in the amount of time its meant to last. -Stage manager should have all of the sounds cues marked down, and call out when they are to be used. He/she should also decide how to modify the volume levels and timing for each performance GENERAL SOUND PRINCIPLES: -The human ear is the best judge in sound quality and volume. Place the sound controls in the auditorium, behind the last row of seats preferrably. There should be a sound crew member to check the sound without headphones in the sound room as well. -Each show will be unique. Comedies, for example, may have the audience laugh at different times in the performance. Actors may alter their deliveries or positions near microphones on each different performance as well. Sound crew must be ready to adjust to the changes to each performance -Acoustics experts should equalize the sound system, balancing it so that the sound delivery is equal throughout the auditorium, and lock the desired balance level. -Sound levels for mikes, monitors, and other devices must be set before the performance. Speakers, singers, and actors must arrive before the doors open for a sound test. (Ex: Testing Testing to be done before the audience arrives). DO NOT BE TEMPTED TO TAP THE MIKE, it can damage it. -Sound levels may change for the same auditorium but different times of year. Amounts of clothing worn by actors can soak up sound, therefore mike volume may have to be turned up a little. Adjustments may need to be placed regarding sound projecting if audience noise is considerably higher than usual. -Microphones used should be primed when handed to actors/users, and then turned up fully as they are spoken into. This is to prevent the explosion of sound when its volume is turned up, or when no sound is produced from a speaking voice. -Remind users of mikes not to place them too close to themselves, to prevent distracting background noise of plosive noises. -For safety reasons, tape down any loose wires connecting sound devices in areas onstage where heavy trafc may occur