Joseph Fosco Music and Sound Design » Theatre

Keeping Sound Live

Joseph Fosco — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:13:44 +0000

Sometimes I think the amount of automation in theatre sound has gone a little too far. Too far in that the sound looses it’s live quality. Too far in that the sound is just a little too polished.

Don’t get me wrong, I would NEVER go back to CDs or cassette tapes, or samplers, or reel to reel tape or all live foley sound. Still, at times, it seems that the amount of automated control has facilitated the removal of the “live” aspect of sound in theatre.

I’m not blaming the technology; it would be foolish to blame the technology. The technology, however, does allow us to create complex and impressive ideas that are, perhaps, inappropriate or, more likely, not able to be fleshed out in the production environment.

This issue is not restricted to theatre sound. Virtually any creative or artistic field that incorporates technology deals with some version of this. So, it is always exciting when I find someone who has found a unique, creative way to deal with this issue.

Shawn Rocco addresses this issue in photography by using a cellphone camera to take photos. Find out about Shawn and his work in this NY Times article, or on his blog Cellular Obscura.

The Decline Of Media Influence In Theatre

Joseph Fosco — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 23:05:07 +0000

Jay Rosen has written a very interesting article describing why the authority of mass media is eroding. Media attention looses much of its value if, as Rosen states, the authority of the press has been eroded. His premise, that the internet has removed the ability of the media to define “legitimate debate”, clearly points to both a great opportunity and a challenge for theatre. The opportunity is that the legitimacy that mass media once bestowed, can now be developed by virtually anyone. On the other hand, any individual or group looking to find or develop a following is pretty much on their own.

Rosen’s article reveals the unspoken assumptions we have all been operating under with regards to the media. Assumptions which had not been distinguished, but upon which the system was based. With these assumptions revealed, the uncertainty many experience in our current environment is easily understood, and it is obvious why all media are struggling to develop compelling content.

This decline in media’s authority creates a related problem for theatre, and the arts in general. Media attention is now less valuable. Most obviously, reviews and stories have less of an impact, and even advertising looses effectiveness. The question then becomes, as the influence of traditional media declines, will new media be as effective in replacing it? If new media is not as effective, how will the decline of traditional media affect, or even transform art, or at least the way art is created and presented?

In a larger context, however, the same forces that are at work on the media are also at work on the arts. These forces will result in as big a shift in the arts as we are seeing in media. Arts organizations that resist making changes of the magnitude now being required by media organizations will see their relevance decline and even their eventual collapse.

Industry And Student Discounts for “Fatboy” at A Red Orchid Theatre

Joseph Fosco — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 22:30:13 +0000

I recently completed designing the sound for “FATBOY” by John Clancy at A Red Orchid Theatre in Chicago. If I do say so myself, it is an excellent, hilarious production of a great script.

We have scheduled a pay-what-you-can “Industry Night” for Monday February 4. Please bring your headshot and/or industry resume to receive this special deal.

Also, we are offering a 2 for 1 student discount for all Thursday performances.

Hope we see you there!