7.11: Lesson 10- Soundscapes

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Soundscapes are exercises in using sound to craft a narrative. In situations where you are allowed to be more experimental in your productions or at times when you are low on budget, soundscape training will be a blessing that can guide you through your project. A soundscape is an event in which the audience closes their eyes and the actors create the environment, sound effects, act, and create the entire story through collective vocal collaboration. The idea is to imagine that the audience is floating in a blimp and the scene is happening in the distance. As the blimp gets closer to the scene the sounds rise in volume and eventually the scene is happening at full volume. The story progresses at full volume and as the story concludes the blimp begins to travel away and the sounds slowly become softer until eventually the scene is silent.

With your cast determine a location and see how acutely you can replicate the sounds that would create that environment in your audience's imagination. You begin by starting with one actor quietly creating one sound. Each additional member of the cast will slowly contribute to the mix until a setting is created. You will need to step away from the group and close your eyes and experience the rehearsal as an audience member helping the group edit the sounds.

One you have created the location determine the story you wish to tell. What is the conflict? How will the story develop? What is the climax? Once you have made these decisions start rehearsing the scene. Try to create a full and immersive experience for your audience. Discover and utilize the talents of your team.

Staging Exercise

Create a scene with a beginning, middle, and end that uses the actors voices as the only ingredient for story telling.
Your scene must include conflict and follow the model of a soundscape. It should start soft and gently take the audience into the world of the play, build in volume as the play progresses and one the play is concluded, gently take the audience out of the world of the play and back into the theater.
Rehearse for 1 hour and then present
Discuss and critique each scene
Remember to always focus on successful elements first. People need to know what they are doing well more than they need to know what to improve. Encourage progress and try to give 5 positive comments to each suggestion for improvement.
Rehearse for an additional 15 minutes in order to incorporate notes.
Present scenes a final time without notes or critique.