THEA 4500 Sound Design II

Department of Theatre, University of Utah

Fall 2007

Monday and Wednesday 10:45-12:40 in PMT room 235C

 

Instructor: Joe Payne   Office: PMT 235C  801-585-5856

joe.payne@ptc.utah.edu   Office hours by appointment

 

Prerequisite:  THEA 3500 Sound Design I, and THEA 1550 Scenography.

 

3 credit hours.

 

Course description:

Advanced design concepts, script analysis, and audio amplification. Students will gain professional knowledge and experience in theatrical sound design.

 

Course Objectives: 

  • This is an advanced course in theatrical sound design. 
  • To become better sound designers, through in depth analysis and practical application of the concepts, tools, and equipment used in modern sound design for live theatre.
  • Critical analysis and evaluation of students’ own and others’ work is fundamental for success in this class. Students should be able to articulate their own thinking using appropriate language, through discussion and evaluation, demonstrating a broader understanding of their creativity and receptivity to sound.

 

Course requirements:

  • Projects are worth 75% of your grade and are as follows.  Detailed information, including due dates, on these projects will be given when the project is assigned.  Most work on these projects will be done outside of class time.  We will work on a different project per week, allowing more time as needed for the larger projects.

  1. "tuning in" Pioneer Theatre Company's sound system using a real time analyzer and reference mic. Evening attendance required.  Date subject to availability.

  2. Script Analysis for the sound designer.  Analyze a script that is chosen in class and create a sound plot based on your analysis.

  3. Design Analysis of your work and other sound designs. due throughout the semester.

  4. SFX Programming.  Create a complex event, using SFX playback software.

  5. The "Tech" rehearsal.  a discussion an demonstration of what is expected of you as a designer in the tech process.

  6. Recording V.O. and instruments.  Part 1 of studio engineering.

  7. Mixdown and Mastering recording sessions.  Part 2 of studio engineering

  8. Live Mix and wireless mics.  You will be required to mix, or use audio reinforcement, in a live setting, for a live audience.  Will take place outside of class time.

  9. Creating a sound design Demo.  Create a 2 minute audio representation of your abilities as a sound designer/engineer.  You must include music, effects, and have some elements that are not pulled, but recorded by you, the engineer.

  10. Troubleshooting sound systems, maintenance, and soldering.

 

  • Participation in class discussions, and critiquing other student's projects is worth 25% of your grade.

 

Suggested reading:

Kaye, Deena and LeBrecht, James Sound and Music for the Theatre 2nd Edition Focal Press

 

General policies:

  • Attendance.  You are not required to be at any class period, but absence will not be an excuse for any missed projects.  Descriptions and explanations of requirements for projects will be discussed in class.
  • Tardiness.  Excessive or repetitive tardiness will be dealt with by locking the student out of the classroom.
  • The syllabus and class schedule are subject to change. It is your responsibility to keep track of all due dates.  All changes will be announced in class.
  • Plagiarism or suspected plagiarism will be reported immediately.  Plagiarism is defined as using another’s words or ideas without proper citation.

 

Grades will be based on overall percentage of completed projects combined with a value given to each project completed.

 

Value, or Grading of individual projects:

To earn an A, you must exhibit superior performance in all aspects of the project and produce work of the highest quality.

To earn a B, you must exhibit high quality performance in some of the project, satisfactory performance in the remainder.

To earn a C, you must exhibit a generally marginal performance and evidence of some learning.

To earn a D, you must exhibit very minimal learning and low quality performance.

To earn an E, you must exhibit a complete absence of evidence of learning.

 

Grading will be based on amount complete, quality of finished product, being turned in on time, effort, and participation.

Late assignment / projects will be docked 1 letter grade for every class for which it is late. Unless you have a note from a doctor, or from a mortician.  If you must miss class you can clear the dates missed ahead of time, but it will mean that your assignment will be due before the due date, not after.  No exceptions.

 

ADA statement. (www.hr.utah.edu/oeo/ada/guide/faculty/).

 

The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Center for Disability Services, 162 Union Building, 581-5020 (V/TDD). CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations."

Faculty responsibilities. (www.admin.utah.edu/ppmanual/8/8-12-4.html)

All students are expected to maintain professional behavior in the classroom setting, according to the Student Code, spelled out in the Student Handbook. Students have specific rights in the classroom as detailed in Article III of the Code. The Code also specifies proscribed conduct (Article XI) that involves cheating on tests, plagiarism, and/or collusion, as well as fraud, theft, etc. Students should read the Code carefully and know they are responsible for the content. According to Faculty Rules and Regulations, it is the faculty responsibility to enforce responsible classroom behaviors, and I will do so, beginning with verbal warnings and progressing to dismissal from and class and a failing grade. Students have the right to appeal such action to the Student Behavior Committee."

Accommodations Policy: Some of the writings, lectures, films, or presentations in this course may include material that conflicts with the core beliefs of some students. Please review the syllabus carefully to see if the course is one that you are committed to taking. If you have a concern, please discuss it with me at your earliest convenience.

 

Respect for Diversity: We intend that students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives be well served by this course, that students’ learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength, and benefit. Please let me know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally or for other students or student groups.

 

Sexual Harrassment: Sexual harassment is unwanted, unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature. It is a form of discrimination and a violation of University policy 2-6A, Student and Faculty Codes 8-10 and 8-12.4, and 2-32, as well as state and federal laws. All behavior in University-related arenas, including faculty and student behavior, is governed by the University's sexual harassment policy. Report any sexual harassment of which you become aware, and be sensitive to how others may view what you say and do. If you feel you are being sexually harassed or are uncertain about whether you are experiencing sexual harassment, talk to a faculty member or other University official, or contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, 135 Park Building, 581-8365 (V/TDD).

 

It is the policy of the University of Utah to maintain an academic and work environment free of sexual harassment for students, faculty, staff, and participants. Any student, staff, faculty member, or participant in university services or activities who believes that there is or has been sexual harassment should contact any of the following:

 

1.     Cognizant academic chair of the department or the dean of the college within which the conduct occurred;

2.     Immediate supervisor or director of the operational unit within which the conduct occurred;

3.     Human Resources Division;

4.     Directors or deans of Student Affairs and Services; or

5.     Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action.