MUSIC + SOUND

this production

Anthony Martinez-Briggs, sound designer for our show took time to answer a few questions about creating sound for this show.

What has the process been like you?

This is a compelling process. I’m used to devising and creating original work that does not have a preexisting script, using numerous modalities of art forms and being part of that process. Furthermore because I’m a teacher and a facilitator, I do a lot of devising work with young people. In those situations, we adults do the tech and at a whim I find the sound the whatever the team is looking for.  Oftentimes this happens with very little specifics.

Most of the work early on [during rehearsals] is pretty much just listening and then creating in response to the work that is being made in the room. That last part happens really close to the show but listening first is remains important.  I listen to what people are saying but also to the rhythms of the scenes. Sometimes I make soundscapes from what I hear in the room just to help me listen. It’s not always a call for music, sometimes it’s a call for mood; broad brushstrokes that create the atmosphere.

How has this process been similar or related to the way you make music?

This relates to how I already create music because it takes a lot of listening. Being a member of a band (Ill Doots) there are lots of perspectives in play already. This is similar to a theatrical rehearsal process where there is an ensemble of people in the room, thus mirroring a practice of creating collaboratively. Even when I am working by myself on aspects of the design, the creation process does not exist in a vacuum, I am constantly hearing Alex’ and the ensemble’s voices and seeing their movements in my head.