Students will demonstrate their beginning understanding of theatrical sound by taking notes over a sound demonstration and preparing to take a written and practical sound test.
Hook (3-5 minutes):
Tell students to grab a pencil or pen and then lead them to the sound booth. Ask them if they know what it is. What can they tell you, if anything, about the sound board? What do you know about sound?
Activity 1 (30-40 minutes):
Hand out the sound worksheet and work your way down the sheet to help students learn the introductory principles of sound. Discuss the mixer and mixer parts, the source, amp, output, how mics work, feedback, balanced lines, xlr cables, and the different types of mics. Always first ask the students what they know about these things before you begin to tell them. Use the sound board as an aid so the students can actually see these items in real life right before their eyes. This is a much better alternative than explaining all these aspects without them having any real reference for how they might actually look/work.
Activity 2 (15-20 minutes):
Show students how to work a wireless handheld, handheld, and lav microphone. For the handheld and the lav this will include showing them how to hook up the xlr/microphone into the mic/body pack. They should know how to check the batteries, and when they might need to change them. Often for a rehearsal 2 out of 3 bars is fine, but for an actual show all batteries should be full. Give students a chance to handle the mics and the soundboard for themselves. They will be tested on how to hook up a microphone and run it through the mixer during the next class period.
Wrap-up (10 minutes):
Answer any questions the students may have about how to run a mic, or about any of the items we’ve discussed from the worksheet. Make sure students understand that next class period they will be tested over the information they’ve learned so it’s important that they understand and remember all they’ve learned. Students should spend the rest of the period studying for the upcoming test, and asking about anything they are unsure of.
