Question 1: Describe three different types of sound effects that could be used on stage to create a tense atmosphere during a scene.

Answer: Examples include: a loud thunderclap to signal a storm, footsteps echoing to suggest someone approaching, and distant sirens to create a sense of danger or urgency.

Question 2: Explain the difference between diegetic and non-diegetic sound in a theatrical production.

Answer: Diegetic sound is sound that characters on stage can hear, such as a phone ringing or music from a radio within the story. Non-diegetic sound is added for the audience's benefit, like background music or sound effects that the characters cannot hear.

Question 3: List two ways sound can be used to highlight a change in scene or mood.

Answer: Sound can be used to transition between scenes with a fade or a sudden loud noise to shock the audience, and changes in music style or volume can signal a shift from a happy to a tense mood.

Question 4: Describe how a sound designer might use silence effectively in a stage production.

Answer: Silence can be used to build tension before a dramatic reveal, to focus attention on a character's reaction, or to create a moment of reflection or pause that heightens emotional impact.

Question 5: Draw a simple stage plan indicating where sound equipment (such as speakers or microphones) could be placed to effectively distribute sound during a performance.

Answer: A correct sketch would show speakers positioned at stage left, stage right, and above the stage area, with microphones placed on key actors or at designated points to project sound evenly across the space.

Question 6: Explain why it is important for sound cues to be synchronized precisely with actors’ actions and scene changes.

Answer: Precise synchronization ensures that sound effects enhance the realism and emotional impact of the scene, preventing distractions or confusion for the audience and maintaining the flow of the performance.

Question 7: Identify three qualities that a sound effect must have to be effective in a stage play.

Answer: It should be clear and audible, appropriate to the scene’s context, and timed accurately to match the action or dialogue happening on stage.

Question 8: Describe a scenario where the use of a sudden loud sound could be most effective in a scene, and explain why.

Answer: A sudden loud sound like a door slamming or gunshot can startle the audience, heightening tension or shock during a critical moment, such as revealing a secret or an unexpected event.

Question 9: Sketch a concept for a soundscape that could be used in a scene set in a busy city street. Label key elements you would include in your sketch.

Answer: A correct sketch would include elements such as honking cars, footsteps, distant chatter, and perhaps a siren, with labels indicating the source of each sound and their relative placement in the space.

Question 10: Reflect on how sound can influence an audience’s emotional response during a performance. Provide one example based on your understanding.

Answer: Sound can heighten emotions; for example, a slow, melancholic musical piece can evoke sadness, while an upbeat, rhythmic tune can energize or excite the audience.