Sound and Music for the Theatre

The fifth edition of Sound and Music for the Theatre traces the process of how to build a sound design to support a theatrical production, from initial concept through implementation in actual performances.

The book discusses the early evolution of sound design and how it supports the play, from researching sources for music and effects to negotiating a contract. It explores how to organize the construction of the sound design elements, how the designer functions in a rehearsal, and how to set up and train an operator to run sound equipment. This instructive information is interspersed with ‘war stories’ describing real-life problems with solutions that readers can apply in their own work, whether they are a sound designer, composer, or sound operator. Also featured are numerous roundtable forums offering insights from theatre luminaries across all aspects of theatrical production. New updates to this edition include:

Insights from Sir Patrick Stewart, Alan Cumming, and Lillias White, among others
Inspiring content in the roundtable discussion “A Sense of Sound: An Actors’ and Educators’ Forum”
Updates to paperwork and checklists to reflect modern equipment
Revised thoroughly for advancements in technology and procedures

Sound and Music for the Theatre has been the definitive text for sound designers for over three decades, whether they are professionals, students, or enthusiasts. It is essential reading for sound designers and others in the theatre who want a deeper understanding of the craft.

Author Biography

Deena Kaye has composed, designed sound, and directed music for more than 200 productions at theatres nationally and internationally, including Lincoln Center, The Public Theater and the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. She has lectured and been a guest artist at numerous universities around the country and is an audition, vocal, and dialect coach in New York City. In 2020, she was honored with the Distinguished Achievement Award in Sound by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT).

James LeBrecht served as the resident sound designer at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. His more than 100 theatrical sound designs have been heard at theatres throughout the world. He has sound designed and mixed over 200 documentaries and narrative films. He co-directed the Oscar nominated documentary Crip Camp with filmmaker Nicole Newnham.