BSMC attendee Jacki Merchant comes to the Sound Classes with a different viewpiont than the sound designer. She’s studying television and video production at Ithaca College and had limited exposure to theatre sound prior to attending. Jacki shares her thoughts on how the BSMC has introduced her to the world of theatrical sound design:

“As a television production student, I was afraid I would feel in over my head at the BSMC. My only prior experience was working with basic audio equipment in my video production classes, and a day shadowing ACME Sound Partners and getting the chance to see the workings of Hot Feet and Spamalot. My love for theater and desire to learn more about the audio production side of things was what prompted me to sign up for these classes. But despite being a sound design novice, I feel that I learned a great deal in the past two days. The professionals were very approachable and willing to share tips and advice, and the lectures about various techniques and tricks was very enlightening. I feel that the BSMC gave me a great starting point to learn even more about sound design for theater.”

I’m here with exhibitor Tom Bensen of RF Pro, who’s showcasing EM Acoustics, Dolby/Lake, Trantec Wireless, Optocore Fiber, Powersoft, APB Consoles, and PRAM Technology products for the theatre sound market. I’ll give him the floor…

I am a charter member of BSMC and can say in all truth this was the best ever - the best venue, the best attendance and the best sessions. Those who came here to learn were serious and those who came to teach and share their knowledge and experience were extremely professional in their approach and presentations. I feel that Live Design does what no other industry publication does when it comes to the encouragement of professionals sharing their craft with the generation that will follow. The BSMC environment is one of mentoring and learning and they have set a new standard that should serve as an example to all. I am glad to be here this year and will certainly be back in the years ahead. Special thanks to Michael and Kathy Eddy and all the staff who have made this the most successfiul BSMC ever.

Thanks, Tom. Check out RF Pro at www.rfproinc.com

As the 2006 Broadway Sound Master Classes come to a close, we thought we’d check in with BSMC attendees to get an insider’s view on the classes. I’m here with Meghan Zugibe, a junior at North Rockland High School, who found out about the classes during her Sound and Audio Engineering Acoustics course at school. Meghan tells us what she took away from the session with Acme Sound Partners yesterday, discussing the sound design of their various Broadway shows, including The Drowsy Chaperone:

“I thought it was very informative with live design. Talking about specifically microphone placement, I got a lot of ideas and inspiration to try new things next year with the straight play and sping musical at my school. It’s been a really great weekend so far and I’m getting a taste of how much I need to learn about the business. It’s intimidating but exciting and makes me want to go into this profession even more.”