Abe Jacob, the legendary sound designer and creative consultant for the Broadway Sound Master Classes, has announced a stellar roster of participants for the 2009 edition of the event, which takes place on May 15-17, at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts in New York City. The BSMC starts with a performance of the revival of the Broadway musical, Hair, on Friday evening, May 15, and the sessions continue through Sunday, May 17.
The line-up of leading sound designers on Saturday, May 16 includes opening remarks by Abe Jacob; a keynote address by Jonathan Deans, who most recent Broadway show was Young Frankenstein; Acme Sound Partners on “Growing Hair,” a discussion of their sound design for the Broadway revival; Duncan Edwards, who will discuss the sound design for the Beijing Olympics last summer; and Darron L. West, a member of Anne Bogart’s SITI company, who designs sound both on and off Broadway. The day’s events culminate with a cocktail party and presentation of the 2009 Live Design Sound Products of the Year.
On Sunday, May 17, the sessions continue with Bob McCarthy on "Preparing the Sound Design for Optimization;" Henry Cohen on the hot topic of RF Mics and White Spaces (with participation by Sennheiser and Shure); Scott Lehrer, the first Tony Award-winning sound designer for South Pacific; and John Taylor of d&b Audio. An informal roundup and Q&A hosted by Abe Jacob closes the 2009 BSMC.
Abe Jacob, the BSMC creative consultant, pioneered and introduced the field of sound design in the Broadway theatre. His original designs include Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Pippin, Chicago, The Act, Dancin', A Chorus Line, Beatlemania, Evita, Woman of the Year, Cats, Big Deal, and Black and Blue. He was also responsible for the concert sound for such legendary artists as Jimi Hendrix, The Mamas and Papas, and Peter, Paul and Mary. He is also the resident sound consultant for New York City Opera and New York State Theatre
"We are very excited about the BSMC this year," says David Johnson, Live Design's editorial director and associate publisher. "The line-up of faculty is once again outstanding and it will be great to have Jonathan Deans back on board to talk about his work, both on Broadway and for Cirque du Soleil. Last year the BSMC was standing-room only and we hope to fill every seat again this year as well."
The BSMC also features a manufacturers showcase with the latest gear from a variety of audio companies. This is held on May 16 and 17 in the Abe Burroughs Theatre at The Tisch School of the Arts.
For additional information and online registration, with $100 off all prices through April 30, for the 2009 Live Design Broadway Master Classes, including the BSMC (Broadway Sound Master Classes) May 15-17, 2009 at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, the BLMC May 18-20 at NYU’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, and the one-day Broadway Projection Master Classes at NYU’s Eisner Lubin Auditorium on Thursday, May 21.
