Renata Finamore (she/her) is a junior at the University of Southern California School of Dramatic Arts, pursuing a BFA in Sound Design. She is a graduate of Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City, where she majored in technical theater. Renata was previously an audio intern at the award-winning Sleep No More in New York City. She aspires to work on other immersive theatrical experiences, while exploring all avenues of sound design. Her latest sound design credits at USC include The Tempest, Next to Normal, Wedlock of the Gods, and Passage
Live Design: Why did you apply for the Pat MacKay Diversity In Design Scholarship?
Renata Finamore: The scholarship application was sent to me by a friend. I decided to apply because its mission aligned with my values. I thought it would also be a great opportunity to connect and collaborate with different artists in the industry.
LD: What made you interested in the field of sound design?
RF: I joined the audio visual club in middle school and immediately fell in love with sound. I decided at eleven years old I wanted to pursue it as a career. For me, sound is the most powerful element of storytelling. It is what maintains the illusion that what you are seeing is real.
LD: What are some of your career goals?
RF: Due to the majority of my experience being theater related, I wanted a Sound Design program that covered sound in theater, film, music, and gaming. I do not want to limit myself to one avenue of sound design. Learning other aspects of sound in relation to other departments has strengthened my skills as a theater artist. As of right now, I would love to work in New York City and design and mix for live theater. Ultimately, my goals are to have a long, impactful career pursuing what I love and to be able to trust myself completely as a designer.
LD: How can the industry better serve underrepresented communities?
RF: The industry can better serve underrepresented communities by telling the stories of those in these communities. Providing a safe space for these narratives to be shared will give those who do not feel supported by the industry a creative and emotional outlet to be heard.
LD: Who or what are your influences, in terms of people or events?
RF: My peers influence me the most. Entering a male dominated industry with only seven percent of women working in audio can be intimidating at times. I feel very fortunate to be in such a small sound design program with a female and non-binary majority. I am constantly in awe of the work of my peers and optimistic of the next generation of industry workers including myself.
LD: Are there particular challenges you have faced?
RF: Returning to a world of live theater after not having done it in two years was a challenge in itself. I felt lost at first, but realizing that everyone was navigating their way back to normalcy made the transition much less scary.
LD: What is your number one bucket-list item?
RF: My number one bucket list item is to tour. Being able to travel to different places, while doing what I love, would be a dream come true.
LD: Has the pandemic changed how you view your work or the industry?
RF: The pandemic has taught me not to take my work for granted and has made my passion for sound grow stronger. The joy of live theater and collaboration with other artists is something that cannot be replicated through a screen.