TheaterMania: For every performer who steps into the spotlight as the curtain rises, there are hundreds of people working behind the scenes to make the magic of theater real. From dressers to spot-ops, house managers to stage door attendants, and everything in between, it truly takes a village to put on a show. This is the third in a series of articles designed to introduce you to the many unique theater professions you might not realize exist.
4 comments:
This article reminded me of how the different facets of theater really view each space, show, and process differently. This is both wonderful and sometimes hindering, as the production process can be so convoluted as is. However, these complications can of course be mitigated by delegation and specialization as this article talks about. Of course, it helps exponentially when you have a diverse group of designers and technicians because these artistic dialogues can be more rich and equitable. For example, the fact that Jessica Paz was the first woman to win a Tony Award for sound design and that was so recent in theatrical history is shocking in relation to the social climate of our nation at the moment. But, more diversification and an increase in heterogeneity can really help to streamline and improve the quality of the design process in storytelling. Not to mention, it makes the process more ethical and equitable.
First, congratulations to Jessica Paz on her nomination and award. It’s such a huge milestone for herself and the industry. I am shocked that it had taken this many years to have a female sound designer to be nominated and to win the Tony’s. It’s a little frustrating and sad to hear Paz say that it would’ve taken her much less time to be where she is right now if she was a male. Paz is obviously a very diligent and smart person, working her way up from a volunteer stage manager to a Broadway sound designer. I think it must have been extra hard at that time because everyone was so new and the technology just started to develop. Having to learn and figure everything out just as you go is no easy job, especially when technology is so fast-evolving and newer machines come out everyday. Her advice on being curious and eager to learn is a useful tip and there’s still much I can learn from a role model like herself.
With my newly acquired knowledge of sound design and sound engineering, I feel compelled to reply to this article. Before, quite literally, yesterday’s sound class (offered as part of the first-year Stagecraft mini) I did not understand the work behind or purpose of sound design. Call me ignorant, but sound design felt like mindless plugging in and out of equipment for microphones. In reality, I’ve now learned that designing and, once again, engineering a sound system is much harder than expected. Thus, reading about Jessica Paz’s accomplishment (recognized through this prestigious award– a Sound Design Tony) is fascinating. As the article points out, I do agree that sound design is “one of the youngest stagecraft disciplines” and can attribute my lack of knowledge/understanding on the subject to said fact. Nevertheless, I am glad Carnegie Mellon University (more specifically the School of Drama) trains us on the basics of all stagecraft mediums.
14. I really enjoyed the article’s observation of how the technical fields in Broadway are often viewed as a “boy’s club”. I attended a performing arts high school with a technical theatre concentration. In my 4 years there, I didn’t have another female peer in the program in any grade until my senior year. The program was run by two men and had three male faculty members. It was difficult for me at first. When I went to NYU precollege, I made a close friend who was a sound designer. She discussed a lot about how little female representation there is in specifically sound and really resonated me. I have always been aware of it. I am so grateful for women like Jessica Paz who are breaking doors down and creating a better future for my generation. I am glad that she always cited that she refused to compromise on any part of what she wanted, including having a family.
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