AN APPRAISAL OF SOUND DESIGN AND APPLICATION IN SELECT A.B.U STUDIO THEATRE PERFORMANCES

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Author

Presented To

Department of Arts

The development of technological devices which led to the advancement of sound design in professional theatre created a new platform and improved the quality of theatre productions, by enhancing and advancing the message of performances in the theatre.However, most academic theatres in Nigeria havenot been able to maximize the potentials of sound design and its crucial role in theatrical performances. It has not been fully applied as much as the other technical theatre design fields. It is based on this challenge that this study sought to assess the role which sound design plays in theatrical performances. This research appraises the significance of sound design by evaluating its application in the performance of Orisa Ibeji, by Ahmed Yerima, and also demonstrates its feasibility in the production of Regina Ode‘s The Masquerade Called Religion. The study aimed at better ways of incorporating ofsound design in theatre performances in the Ahmadu Bello University Studio Theatre by determining the extent of sound usage, challenges and ways through which new technologies could be incorporated.The methodology adopted includes both qualitative and quantitative research methods of gathering data to arrive at its findings. The findings revealed that technical sound equipment are insufficient, and there is no technical sound professional in the Department. This situation affects the development of sound specialization and sound application during performances. The study further observed that sound design is still a less understood concept hence,itsinadequate application in theatre performances.The implication lies in the fact that creating illusion which is one of the biggest additions to the art of sound in performances, is less understood. This study recommends that sound design be given priority and utmost attention in the A.B.U Studio Theatre. It emphasizes on training students by employing technical staff to handle sound equipment effectively, repairing instruments in poor conditions, as well as institutionalizing sound design in curriculums to promote its continuity.When sound design is deployed in theatre performances, audience satisfaction is assured and better result is achieved. On the whole, this study concludes that the modern technological development in the application of theatrical sound design should be deployed in performances for excellent results.