The Colloquium, co-sponsored by The Royal National Theatre and The Central School of Speech and Drama, will focus on the creative and aesthetic issues of theatre sound design through exploration of the broad topics of Sound as Scenography and The Dramaturgy of Sound. In addition, The Organization of International Scenographers, Technicians and Architects for the Theatre (OISTAT) will be holding the inaugural meeting of its newly formed "Sound Design Working Group" during the conference.
Richard K. Thomas, Chair of the OISTAT Sound Design Working Group, is excited about the Colloquium. "Up until now, there has been no professional body or organized forum for sharing models of practice in theatre sound design, which is a bone fide, discreet specialty in 21st century dramaturgy. We will be discussing issues of training and pedagogy, theory and research, and the professional status of Theatre Sound practice. This is a truly unique gathering, focusing on the dramaturgy rather than the technology of sound design, and it is an important step in raising the prominence of theatre sound design within the industry, in academia and with audiences".
Ross Brown is equally enthusiastic. "Theatre sound has been the most rapidly developing area of theatre design and production since the mid 1980's. New technology, new writing and new directorial approaches have demanded new specialist understanding and knowledge. I think it is significant and encouraging that the Royal National Theatre and some of the most exciting and internationally recognised practitioners working in the field have thrown their weight behind this event."
The London Theatre Sound Design Colloquium will take place at the Royal National Theatre, Southbank, on 13 and 14 June, and at The Central School of Speech and Drama, Swiss Cottage, on 15 June.
(Lee Baldock)
