What Does a Sound Design Thespy Entry Involve?
For a Sound Design entry, the Thespian must prepare and present a sound design they created for use in a published theatrical work. Designs for performances of original works, poetry, fiction, screenplays, television, concerts, and/or any other medium are not permitted.
Only one (1) Thespian may be involved in the design; collaborations are not permitted. Designs for theoretical or realized productions are acceptable.
Showcasing Your Work for the Adjudicators
The Thespian must prepare a five- to eight-minute (5-8-minute) presentation showcasing and summarizing their work. The presentation should walk the adjudicators through the process of conceptualization, collaboration, and design decision-making using the specific items listed under “Required Materials.”
In addition, the Thespian should address the the general presentation prompts below as well as the role other design elements played in the sound design, any challenges faced while mixing the sound for the production, and any adjustments that were necessary due to various factors in the performance venue.
Presentations may be verbal or visual in format (the Thespian may speak, display a video that presents their material, or let their support materials describe their process fully; in the latter case, the support materials would need to be thorough enough to allow the adjudicators to understand all required components of the category).
Required Materials
(Expand each item for details.)
1. Demonstration of three to four (3-4) representative examples of sound cues/effects from the sound design.
- No more than four (4) cues may be demonstrated.
- A sound system or speaker will be provided for playback with AUX cable and Bluetooth connectivity, however students may bring their own speaker to ensure quick and reliable connectivity.
2. Additional support materials presented in a binder or digitally.
Additional support materials may be presented in a binder or digitally (the Thespian must provide their own equipment for viewing). Any digital presentation must display the work so that the adjudicators can see details during the presentation. These materials must include:
- Design statement no longer than one (1) page that includes the unifying production design concept and the theme of the show and/or recurring motifs that appear in it.
- Research, including:
- Summary of given circumstances from the script that apply to the sound design.
- Functionality requirements (e.g., recorded sound, foley, live orchestra).
- Genre, locale, and setting of the play (or other explanation of the world of the play).
- Artistic and practical needs that impact the design.
- Sources of inspiration for design.
- Techniques used within the design (e.g., splicing sound cues, layering sounds and cues, soundscape creation).
- Sound cue sheet that must include act/scene, placement of cue (e.g., corresponding line, stage direction, etc.), description of cue, duration of cue, and effect (e.g., fade in, fade out, etc. as applicable).
- Speaker plot that includes the location and specs of each speaker used in the production.
- Sound reinforcement plan, signal flow, and/or mic plot as applicable.
Optional Materials
The Thespian may bring in photo boards or other visual aids to display along with the sound cues and support materials. The Thespian may also provide an optional written response to share additional information about the design with the adjudicators.
Question & Answer Session
Following the presentation, a 4-minute Q&A session will commence in which the adjudicators may ask any questions about the design and execution process or the additional support materials included.
Skills Measured
The skills measured by the adjudicators during the presentation are:
- Ability to demonstrate an understanding of the sound design process.
- Ability to demonstrate an understanding of the artistic, functional, and practical constraints that impact design and the relationship to a unifying concept.
- Ability to demonstrate a basic understanding of the technology/equipment needed to implement and support the design.
- 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.
