Stage Research has added the Theatrical Sound Design Interactive CD to its catalog. This training tool, launched July 15, is designed for use as a theater technician's knowledge reserve or in any comprehensive theater crafts education curriculum.

Created by Multimakers Multimedia (Fairbanks, Alaska), the Theatrical Sound Design Interactive CD provides broad-based instruction and practical information about how to approach, address and assess sound design for stage. The material covers such topics as concept development, equipment choices, gathering and editing effects and implementing ideas for a successful audio plot. Also included are theoretical principles (What is Sound?) and aural science basics (How We Hear and The Ear).

"Theatrical Sound Design Interactive is a multimedia, cross-platform (Windows and Mac) DVD that serves as an introduction to designing audio for the entertainment industry," comments Kade Mendelowitz, University of Alaska professor and Lighting Designer. "Great for students and community theatre members alike, the program uses animations and examples to help explain complex concepts and equipment. The disc includes three video clips and other practice materials to help you get started thinking about designing sound for entertainment including an award-winning animated short and two segments from a science-fiction adventure."

Sound-for-theater hardware and software is examined with detailed attention paid to mics, recorders, mixers, cables, amps, speakers, playback devices and effects processors. The segments titled Script Analysis & Production Development, Cue Plot, Creation & Procurement and Implementation are designed for veterans, novices and academics alike. Categorized as Special Features, sections on Projects and Additional Resources will fill in any remaining gaps while rounding out the program.

"This is simply a nice educational tool for anyone interested in sound and TSDI also includes training sections on our Audio Playback & Show Control software SFX," adds Stage Research�s Carlton Guc.

The CD is part of the company's Theatrical Design learning PC/Mac/DVD lineup, which also includes Theatrical Lighting Design (an intensive clips-and-tips equipment/terminology practicum) and Theatrical Makeup Design (a teach-and-demo "walk-and-talk").