Sound Design
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What to Prepare
For a Sound Design entry, the Thespian must prepare a sound design for a published work written for the theatre. Designs for performances of original work, poetry, fiction, screenplays, television, concerts, or any other medium are not permitted. Only one (1) Thespian may be involved in the design; no collaborations are permitted. Designs for either theoretical or realized productions are acceptable. The Thespian must prepare the following:
- Demonstration of representative examples of sound effects/cues from the production. Cues should be played on a device provided by the participant that is able to play back the sounds at a volume level that can be heard by all adjudicators (i.e., a mobile phone alone is not recommended).
- A portfolio of support materials (bound or digital) that must include the following:
- One-page design statement that includes:
- Unifying production design concept;
- Theme of the show/recurring motifs.
- Research, including:
- Summary of given circumstances from the script;
- Functionality requirements;
- Genre, locale, and setting of the play (or other explanation of the world of the play);
- Artistic and practical needs that impact the construction;
- Sources of inspiration for design and color palette (if used).
- Techniques used within the design.
- A sound cue sheet that must include:
- Act/scene;
- Placement of cue (e.g., corresponding line, stage direction, etc.);
- Description of cue;
- Duration of cue;
- Effect, if applicable (e.g., fade in, fade out, etc.).
- Speaker plot that must include the location and specs of each speaker used in the production.
- Sound reinforcement plan, signal flow, and/or mic plot, as appropriate.
- One-page design statement that includes:
- A five to eight (5-8)-minute presentation summarizing the work with connections to concept, collaboration, and design decision-making. The Thespian may use digital media during the presentation (the Thespian must provide their own equipment for viewing), or the Thespian may bring photo boards or other visual aids to display along with the demonstrated sounds.
- The Thespian should address general questions such as:
- What are some of your responsibilites in your field?
- How did the director's concept influence your work?
- How did the style of the play affect your work?
- If the production was realized, what challenges did you face in unifying the director's concept across all areas of your work?
- The Thespian should address category-specific topics such as:
- What role(s) did the other design elements play in the sound design for this production?
- What challenges did you face in mixing the sound for the production?
- Are there elements of your initial design that you needed to adjust based on the facility in which the show was produced (i.e., capacity, acoustics, etc.)?
- The Thespian should address general questions such as:
- Optional written essay response to share additional information about the sound design with the adjudicators.
Slating: All Categories
Thespians must begin their presentation with an introduction known as a slate. The slate is not part of the performance, but is simply an informative introduction to the piece. This is an opportunity for students to be themselves and address the adjudicators in a comfortable, polite, and brief manner. The slate should include the following information:
- The Thespian’s name (or names, for group categories);
- Troupe number;
- Title of selection being performed or work being showcased (e.g., sound design for August: Osage County);
- Name of the playwright(s) and/or composer(s).
A slate might sound like this: "Hello. My name is John Smith from Troupe 561, and I’ll be sharing my sound design for The Crucible by Arthur Miller."
After the slate, time begins with the first word of the presentation. If a Thespian exceeds the time limits stated above, the adjudicator or room monitor will note the time and a final eligibility ruling will be determined. Exceeding the time limit may result in disqualification.
Dress Code: All Categories
For all categories (performance and technical), Thespians will present themselves at adjudication or in their submission video as a blank slate, refraining from wearing clothing and/or accessories that distract from the performance or presentation. The goal is to level the playing field and allow the focus to remain on the work, not the aesthetics of the presenting Thespian(s). Thespians should follow these guidelines:
- Dress in simple, modest attire suitable for a professional interview or audition, in black or dark colors. Clothing should be appropriate for the situation so as not to limit or restrict movement or affect the performance. For technical categories, Thespians may choose to follow the guideline above or wear the black/dark-colored clothing traditionally worn by technicians.
- Acceptable footwear is neutral, not distracting, and may include character shoes and dance shoes (if category appropriate), dress shoes, sneakers, or boots.
- Theatrical makeup, costumes, and props are not permitted.
- Avoid wearing distracting items such a large, dangling jewelry, light-up footwear, or fashionably distressed clothing.
Skills Measured: Sound Design
- Ability to demonstrate an understanding of the sound design process;
- Ability to demonstrate an understanding of the artistic and practical constraints that impact design and the relationship to the unifying concept;
- Ability to research and understand the connection between style, period, locale, genre, and other historical and cultural influences and design choices;
- Ability to document, present, and clearly explain and justify design choices.
Sound Design Rubric
PRESENTATION
Explanation of the executed design, unifying concept, creative decisions, and process
Above Standard
Presentation thoroughly explains the functional and aesthetic role of the executed design and the creative process, demonstrating an in depth understanding of their contribution to the unifying concept.
At standard
Presentation explains the functional and aesthetic role of the executed design, and the creative process, demonstrating an understanding of their contribution to the unifying concept.
Near Standard
Presentation offers a limited explanation of the functional and aesthetic role of the executed design and/or creative process, demonstrating a partial understanding of their contribution to the unifying concept.
Aspiring to Standard
Presentation offers little or no explanation of the creative process and/or fails to explain the executed design and their contribution.
RESEARCH
Evidence of research of the given circumstances of the script as well as artistic and practical needs which impact the design.
Above Standard
Comprehensive and detailed research addresses the artistic and practical needs of the production and illuminates the unifying concept.
At standard
Thorough research addresses the artistic and practical needs of the production and aligns with the unifying concept.
Near Standard
Limited research partially addresses the artistic and practical needs of the production and/or inconsistently supports the unifying concept.
Aspiring to Standard
Research fails to address the artistic and practical needs of the production and/or lacks alignment with the unifying concept.
INTERPRETATION
Design choices merge the unifying concept with the designer’s unique vision.
Above Standard
Design choices powerfully enhance and communicate the mood, style, period, locale, and genre of the play, and demonstrate a unique voice.
At standard
Design choices communicate the mood, style, period, locale, and genre of the play and align with the given circumstances.
Near Standard
Design choices partially communicate the mood, style, period, locale, and genre of the play and do not distract from the given circumstances.
Aspiring to Standard
Design choices fail to communicate the mood, style, period, locale, and genre of the play; choices may or may not support the given circumstances.
DESIGN JUSTIFICATION
Connecting the design choices to the artistic and practical needs of the production.
Above Standard
Comprehensive explanations justify the design choices, illuminating the connection between the artistic and practical needs of the production.
At standard
Appropriate explanations justify the design choices and demonstrate the connection with the artistic and practical needs of the production.
Near Standard
Partial explanations somewhat connect the design choices with the artistic and practical needs of the production.
Aspiring to Standard
Limited explanations fail to make the connection between the design choices and the artistic and practical needs of the production.
EXECUTION
Products presented convey ideas and choices that support the script and unifying concept.
Above Standard
Detailed products communicate and enhance artistic ideas and choices to provide exceptional support for the script and unifying concept.
At standard
Products communicate artistic ideas and choices that support the script and unifying concept.
Near Standard
Products partially communicate artistic ideas and choices and/or inconsistently support the script and unifying concept.
Aspiring to Standard
Products lack a clear focus and/or fail to support the artistic ideas and choices, script and/or unifying concept.