Improvised Sound

sara farr · Post by **sara farr** » March 11th, 2008, 4:55 pm

I am a strong believer in the power of music to boost the theatricality of an improv show and have been actively pursuing this in performance for over a year now. In addition to scoring several Maestros and one-off shows, I've scored several runs of shows including: "Start Trekkin", "Harry Potter", and "Six Degrees". Currently I've helped to score the "Improvised Shakespeare" show, including this coming weekend. I am also the cardinal sound improviser for "Get Up" and am rehearsing and performing with them as part of their troupe.

Recently, I've had a couple of interesting groups ask me if I would score their shows. I love that other people are seeing the benefits of music in show. And if I had the time, I would do it. Unfortunately, I am in pre-production on my first independantly produced animated short, so I've had to turn down these projects.

BUT, because I want to encourage music in shows, and am happy to share what I've learned about "scoring" improvised scenes, I would like to offer a workshop on Improvised Sound. My plan is to charge $5 to pay for the time it takes to build curriculum... time taken away from my animated project... all proceeds of which I will donate to the AIC (that I love). I will need a minimun of 6 people to make this worth while. I'm thinking about having the workshop on Saturday, April 5th, from 12pm-2pm. Location TBD.

Performing improvised sound is a great training tool for new and experienced improvisers. It gives beginner improvisers a way to interactively participate in a show with experienced improviers. And experienced improvisers can use it as a tool for strengthening their ability to read the scene and give the stage-imps what they want/need.

It is about time we had more sound imps in this community.

Who will sign up first?

Spaztique · Post by **Spaztique** » March 11th, 2008, 4:57 pm

MEMEMEMEME!!!!

Miggy · Post by **Miggy** » March 11th, 2008, 6:57 pm

sara_anm8r wrote: My plan is to charge $5 to pay for the time it takes to build curriculum... time taken away from my animated project... all proceeds of which I will donate to the AIC (that I love).

You are a lady and scholar.

I will be out of town that weekend but I really appreciate you doing this. Nice job, both in your current work and in your interest in sharing your knowledge.

starkserious · Post by **starkserious** » March 15th, 2008, 8:44 pm

Sara I think its great have a Sound workshop for Improv shows! I've missed good sound effects since I left ComedySportz and NCT years ago. Good Sound stuff can really add to an improv show that the audience will remember for a long time.

KathyRose · Post by **KathyRose** » March 16th, 2008, 9:42 am

Sara,
I would be delighted to attend; however, I'm with a screenwriter's group that meets until 12:30 on the first & third Saturdays of the month. So, I'll keep an eye peeled to see if you can shift the time just an hour later, or to a different Saturday.
thanks,
Kathy

sara farr · Post by **sara farr** » March 16th, 2008, 4:40 pm

Okay Sound-Imps.

Robert Arjet has added his name to the list. And to accomidate Mike and Kathy Rose, I am bumping this to the Sat before, Mar. 29th.

We still need 2 more imps to make this happen. Any imps from Coldtowne interested? You don't have to be performing to be a good sound imp... In fact this is a nice way to see the show and be improvising without being on stage.

So sign up now!

Matt · Post by **Matt** » March 16th, 2008, 5:32 pm

Interested, but can't attend that day. If you do this again, I would like to jump in.

acrouch · Post by **acrouch** » March 16th, 2008, 10:30 pm

Please please please two more people out there sign up and make this happen. We need more people in town interested in and capable of musically accompanying improv. Sara has been kicking ass on Improv Shakespeare and her knowledge should be spread around.

gene · Post by **gene** » March 17th, 2008, 11:33 am

I'm in.

austinflower · Post by **austinflower** » March 17th, 2008, 1:27 pm

Sure, Why not. I'm always looking for new tools and I'd like to get back in the booth. Its like driving a standard. Everyone should know how just in case they have to drive someone to the hospital in a war zone.

Audible Auddog

austinflower · Post by **austinflower** » March 17th, 2008, 1:32 pm

But I dare someone else to sign up. I Double Dog Dare you.

Asaf · Post by **Asaf** » March 17th, 2008, 1:49 pm

I just sent out word to my Ka-Baam cast with monetary incentive for taking this class. I hope they take me up on it.

vine311 · Post by **vine311** » March 17th, 2008, 1:53 pm

I already consider myself a bit of a tech junkie but my expertise is mostly from a lighting standpoint. I could put your knowledge to good use. Teach me Farr!

sara farr · Post by **sara farr** » March 17th, 2008, 3:03 pm

Awesome! We now have a minimum count for this class so it is a "GO".

But, due to space in the booth, I'm capping the class size at 8... which is where we are now. Here is who I have on the list:

David Zimmerman
Michael McGill
Kathy Rose Center
Robert Arjet
Gene Joe
Montanna (?)
Audrey Sansom
Jason Vines

If there is a high enough demand for a second group (6 people), I will offer this again later (in May?).

sara farr · Post by **sara farr** » March 20th, 2008, 6:01 pm

Okay, Sound Imps!!! We have a location... Upstairs Hideout.

So I will see you all on Saturday, March 29th @ noon (12p-2p).

EMAIL, PM, or POST HERE TO CONFIRM.

I'll be doing sound tech for the Shakes show that night so you guys can come see some great improv made better with some music. If you can't wait, come see the Get Up and the Frank Mills in the SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL this Saturday at 10:30pm at the SVT.

ALSO I am counting on a couple of you to take what you learn and put it into practice that night... during Maestro. I know they've been wanting more sound imps. Sign up to work the SOUND that weekend so they know they have musical support, as well as lights.

Austin Improv

Improvised Sound

Improvised Sound

Re: Improvised Sound

Take the Sound!

sounding off

I'm a Go-Go.

I think that makes