Sound and Music for the Theatre, Second Edition: The Art and Technique of Design [Paperback]

Deena Kaye (Author), James LeBrecht (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 22, 1999 | ISBN-10: 024080371X | ISBN-13: 978-0240803715 | Edition: 2

This is the only comprehensive text that discusses the aesthetics of sound design for the stage. It is a practical and comprehensive guide to the field of sound design, covering the designer's relationships within the theatre community and detailing the process of sound design. The focus is on design approaches and techniques, rather than equipment operation.


For every phase of theatrical production, Sound and Music for the Theatre traces the entire process of sound design from initial concept through finished plan. The book discusses the early evolution of a sound design that supports the play. It discusses how to research sources for music and effects, devise a sound plot, and negotiate in a contract. It explains how to plan the gathering and construction of the sound design elements; how the designer operates in a rehearsal; and how to set up and train an operator to run sound equipment for a theatrical production. The instructive information is interspersed with "war stories" describing real-life problems and solutions that sound designers or composers will be able to apply in similar situations that they may encounter. Also included are two highly informative roundtable discussions with well-respected directors, playwrights, composers and sound designers focusing on sound in the theatre.






Comprehensive text that addresses sound design for theatre
Updated to include digital technology in theatrical productions
Includes new "roundtable discussion" with leading sound designers and composers

Editorial Reviews

Review

An excellent look inside the sound designer's process. finally, a book unencumbered by complex diagrams of equipment & focusing on design. I thank you, and my students thank you.

"An excellent book! A great breakdown of the art of sound design and how it fits in today's theatre."
-William Liotta, Tulane University

-i like the specific comments on cues
-good, practical information
-"Running the Show" seems confusing
-wish it spoke to speaker placement in auditoriums
-nice material in the "Approaches and Techniques" chapter

great design book
nice to have a resource book for sound that does not include equipment specs

"I have used the first edition of this book for years and I am very happy with the new edition. The inclusion of CD/MD and computer technology is great fro students and old hands alike."
-Michael Oncle, University of Memphis

"great book...i appreciate its focus on design and process not technology"

"Every phase of the production process is covered in detail, along with a host of anecdotal examples from the personal experiences of the authors. In all, it's ideal reading for those involved in the creative aspect of theatre sound rather than the practical operation."
Lighting & Sound

From the Publisher

For every phase of theatrical production, Sound and Music for the Theatre traces the entire process of sound design from initial concept through finished plan. The book discusses the early evolution of a sound design that supports the play. It discusses how to research sources for music and effects, devise a sound plot, and negotiate in a contract. It explains how to plan the gathering and construction of the sound design elements; how the designer operates in a rehearsal; and how to set up and train an operator to run sound equipment for a theatrical production. The instructive information is interspersed with "war stories" describing real-life problems and solutions that sound designers or composers will be able to apply in similar situations that they may encounter. Also included are two highly informative roundtable discussions with well respected directors, playwrights, composers and sound designers focusing on sound in the theatre.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 268 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 2 edition (September 22, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 024080371X
• ISBN-13: 978-0240803715
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,054,044 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent beginners guide to Sound in Theatre, May 8, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Sound and Music for the Theatre, Second Edition: The Art and Technique of Design (Paperback)

This book takes you through the basics of how to analize theatre from a sound perspective. It gives examples of system diagrams, run sheets, a sound plot, and includes a glossary of terms. Very insightful for the beginning sound designer!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Quick Informative Read, October 18, 2009

By 

Nathan Lively (Austin, TX, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sound and Music for the Theatre, Second Edition: The Art and Technique of Design (Paperback)

Kaye and LeBrecht's book is a great introduction to the world of professional sound design for theatre. I am an experienced sound engineer and system designer, but was interested in learning the working procedures, protocol, and terminology that my colleagues in the theatre world are all used to. I got that plus some business advise for the independent contractor.

It is a quick inspirational read, especially if you skip over most of the out-dated sections on audio technology and sound systems. I will hold onto this book, though, as a reference for things like sound cue plot diagrams.

-Nathan
[...]

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A valuable investment, September 21, 2002

By 

Jethro Joaquin (Manila Philippines) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sound and Music for the Theatre, Second Edition: The Art and Technique of Design (Paperback)

A great introduction to the world of sound design for the theatre. Not only does it have a chapter on the history and evolution of sound design but it also has a chapter on experiences of sound designers - on how they deal with their work. The excerpts of designers' ideas and comments on a particular concept was very enriching. Add to that, it's an easy-to-read book. Being a sound designer myself, I could say I could relate a lot to their experiences. I highly recommend this book to theatre students taking up sound (design) courses or who wish to try their hands on the field. I personally learned a lot from this book and I have to say this is a valuable investment.