SIDEWAYS STORIES FROM WAYSIDE SCHOOL
Adapted for the Stage By
John Olive
Directed by
Bethany Corey-Ekin
I was excited to start working on this show because I saw a lot of potential for exploring a different kind of sound. There are a lot of pre-recorded lines in this show, and I wanted to utilize my skills in voice over and editing, so I leaned hard into the idea of using human-voiced sound effects. This was a huge undertaking. Couple that with the amount of music the show calls for, and I had to rely on my assistant sound designer to create some of the cues.
This experience underlined the importance of time management and communication for me. I had to set up a recording schedule and call in people I needed lines from. I ended up amassing a catalogue of sound effects that I had to sift through and construct. Grueling but ultimately rewarding work.
The following is a collection of documents and sound clips that demonstrate my process.
Designer Presentation

The designer presentation serves as a comprehensive road map that will inform the designer's choices throughout the run of the show. It also helps the director, actors, and other designers conceptualize the finished production and facilitates communication and collaboration.

Some key words and concepts that inspired my work. I latched onto the idea of the real world viewed through the eyes of a child and imagined how a child would describe the events of the play. That led me to the idea of using human-made sound effects, combining sound and imagination.

The final pieces were the pre-recorded voices, and Miss Zarves proved to be quite a trip. Originally, the cast list didn't assign the role to anyone, and the director said she had two actors in mind. I suggested that we take both actors' voices and merge them into one new voice for the character. I also referred to the cartoon show for inspiration for the P.A. system.

The designer presentation serves as a comprehensive road map that will inform the designer's choices throughout the run of the show. It also helps the director, actors, and other designers conceptualize the finished production and facilitates communication and collaboration.
Sound Cue Sheet
Sound Effect Samples
Whenever Mrs. Gorf or her son Mr. Gorf uses their powers
Other sound cues
Voice Over Samples
Miss Zarves
Mr. Kidswatter
Miss Mush
Music Samples
Organ
Pigtails
Wacky Music










