SOUND FOR PERFORMANCE - 2023/4

Module code: PRO1031

Module Overview

This Module is a mixture of online theory classes, hands-on face to face practical workshops and labs, and independent tasks and projects. It is aimed at the entry-level student and assumes no prior experience in sound to ensure all students, regardless of experience or preferred pathway have relevant and rewarding learning experience.

Module provider

Guildford School of Acting

Module Leader

EVANS Gareth (GSA)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Workshop Hours: 30

Independent Learning Hours: 110

Seminar Hours: 10

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

The indicative content for this module includes:


  • A complete look at the fundamentals of sound theory and practice.

  • Setup and operation of a Basic PA System.

  • The soldering and testing of common audio cables and connectors.

  • Digital audio recording and editing for theatre.

  • Programming and playback for theatre sound using QLAB.

  • An hands-on look at the diversity of Industry standard Microphones and mixing desks.

  • Critical listening experience in a loudspeaker shootout

  • Radio Microphone fitting and use for Musical Theatre

  • Production Communication System and Networks for Theatre



Throughout the course of these classes and labs, students will also be reinforcing common skills such as power usage, cable management, control of noise at work and all other applicable good health & safety practice associated with performance sound engineering. Students are encourage to support their learning with structured independent individual and groups tasks.

The content for this module has been created with direct consultation from leading industry employers and practitioners to ensure it's relevance to the requirements of the role.

Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Practical based assessment Practical assessment 100

Alternative Assessment

Written reflective essay

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate practical skills and understanding.

The summative assessment is as follows:

Practical based task to be completed and assessed in small groups including:


  • Interpretation of a Creative Brief

  • Content Creation through recording and editing.

  • Programming and Playback of Audio content through QLAB.

  • Preparation, Assembly, Optimization and Operation of a Basic PA System



Feedback

Summative, written feedback for the group will be provided up to 3 weeks following assessment submission.

Module aims

  • Introduce students to concepts, processes and equipment commonly found in sound reinforcement systems within a production context.
  • Familiarise students with the technical vocabulary associated with sound and the importance of the signal chain and its constituent parts.
  • Allow students to explore generic hardware and software underpinning complex sound systems found in the performance industry.
  • Introduce students to theatrical sound disciplines.

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
001 Apply working practices learned in taught modules to the production process. P
002 Demonstrate accurate application of practical skills. P
003 Independently research to support their subject knowledge and practical skills. C
004 Engage in the theatre production process adopting the procedures and methods at every stage of the process. KP

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:


  • Provide students with the concepts and knowledge to fulfill the learning outcomes of this module.

  • Provide time and resources for students to develop their skills in connecting and operating equipment and software culminating in an ability to apply and implement their skills in the realisation and delivery of live practical sound programme.



The learning and teaching methods include:


  • Online captured content

  • Online quiz's, self-tests and activities

  • Hands-on tutor-led workshops, seminars and labs. 

  • Access to equipment and resources for Independent study

  • Group and Individual activities.



This module attempts to facilitate key areas of the Programme learning and teaching strategy specifically those defining demonstration and review within workshops, rehearsals, productions, practical classes, laboratory/studio-based practice, screenings, lectures, seminars, tutorials and tutor and learner-directed practical projects evidencing core, elementary theory and practice.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: PRO1031

Other information

GSA delivers its provision across three teaching blocks, within the University of Surrey’s existing semester structure.

Programmes this module appears in

Programme Semester Classification Qualifying conditions
Theatre Production BA (Hons)(YEAR LONG) Year-long Compulsory A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.