Researcher: Dr Rod Selfridge
Collaboration with the Carnoustie Theatre Club at the Dibble Tree Theatre on 3 May 2025
I got involved with public engagement as I felt this was a potential new research interest for me. I wanted to investigate public interest as well as interest from those within the theatre community. It connected me with members of the local theatre group as well as others in the town. The theatre sound design workshop gave some people who had never focused on sound design before a hands-on experience, prompting them to think about developing sounds within a script and working with actors. It also gave participants with more experience ideas on how they might expand sound design within their future projects.
This workshop was a unique adventure, perfect for anyone curious about the hidden roles in theatre or looking to boost their confidence. Participants saw how SFX could transform and elevate the emotions in a performance right before their eyes. Unlike typical arts-based workshops, where one collaborates with an artist, this experience allowed interaction with sound-producing objects and sensors to craft unique sonic experiences. Participants worked alongside actors to bring a unique performance to life, exploring everything from classic devices to cutting-edge synthesis models. Additionally, they discovered how STEM skills could be applied to various media. It was a fun, hands-on journey into the heart of theatre!