From the Chair
by Corey Shelsta, NBS Section Chairperson
I had a really embarrassing moment in a class I was teaching last week. I was explaining how compression works to a group of students while talking into a microphone and watching the screen of the console. It’s one of those where you can see the input level as you talk and another line going down showing how the compression is being applied. I was explaining away, referring to the screen, adjusting the threshold, release, attack and ratio, and watching the input and compression bars on the screen. Finally, a student pointed out “I don’t hear any difference”. It was then I realized that I had not actually turned the compression ON for that channel. I was so busy explaining the interface, I had not actually bothered to listen to the actual audio portion. Definitely not one of the best moments of my teaching career. This also ties into the panel I am doing at the national conference this year on how to merge technology and artistry. I got so wrapped up with the technology and the interface that I did not pay attention to what was coming out the other side.
I had an interesting discussion in my scenic design class today. We are talking about the principles of arranging objects on stage to create interesting stage pictures and movement opportunities. I want to avoid getting into political commentary here, but I am certain you all have seen a news item about the shape of the stage at the recent CPAC event and its resemblance to a specific symbol. Now I can look at the arrangement of the stage and talk about how it presents movement interesting patterns, the repetition of diagonal lines as a design element, the general functionality of the shape, etc. It’s an interesting shape for a stage. But as designers, are we obligated to cross reference to the shapes of our designs with prominent symbols? Is this possible or practical in every situation? I’m not sure what the answer is, but I think the discussion is worth having.
I am excited to see a few summer theatres around the region opening again this summer. It will be nice to have opportunities to design and perform again. We have been fortunate here in that we have been producing shows on stage both semesters. Small casts, all masked and with distanced blocking of course. It’s been an interesting challenge. We have sold both live and streaming tickets. Our seating capacity is reduced, but it is still great to see the live audience. I hope you all have the opportunity to get back up and running in your spaces soon too! [ ]