During his time working on stage productions at Franklin Regional Senior High School, Tyler Parsonage learned how to work under pressure and think quickly.
“In high school, I had limited knowledge, and our equipment wasn’t necessarily top-tier,” said Parsonage, 22, of Murrysville. “I had to work with what we had, and trouble-shoot to the best of my ability.”
The ceiling on that ability is considerably higher now, as Parsonage heads toward the end of his senior year and prepares to serve as sound designer for Slippery Rock University’s production of “Seussical,” April 21-23.
Parsonage spoke with the Trib about the ever-changing nature of live audio and preparing for the show. This interview has been edited for length:
Q: What initially drew you to theater as a potential career, and what intrigued you about sound design?
A: My interest in theater began when I joined stage crew in high school — after a couple of years working on the sound team for all the shows at FR, I decided that I really enjoyed it. Stage crew was a place I always felt like I really belonged and could be myself. In addition, there is something very rewarding and almost magical about putting a production together from just a script on paper.
Q: Does “Seussical” pose any specific challenges when it comes to sound design?
A: Our production is not your typical Dr. Seuss. The creative team has leaned into the idea of imagination. The main character has created this world in their own mind, so it’s unique. When it comes to my sound design, I also have leaned into the idea of imagination, using sound effects that are adjacent to the actual sounds. This was a challenge at first, but ultimately pushed me creatively.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges for a sound designer in a theater setting?
A: I can’t speak for other designers, but sometimes it is difficult to get across to a director what you are describing or vice versa. It’s important to be on the same page. I’ve found the best way to communicate is to let the director hear short sample tracks far in advance, so any major changes can happen prior to the start of tech. Of course, this doesn’t always work out as planned. Changes continue to get made all the way up until opening of a show. But finding the best way to effectively communicate helps a ton. Theater really is all about collaboration!
Q: What aspect of preparing for the show are you enjoying the most?
A: I have been prepping microphones and monitors the past few days. My favorite part is anything hands-on. In addition to being a designer, I will be acting as “A1,” live-mixing the show. I enjoy mixing the most, and I am always excited to learn even more about live audio each show that I work on. By far, musicals are the most difficult thing to nail in live audio from my experience and what I have heard from others. It’s going to be a challenge, but it will be rewarding in the end.
For more, including tickets, see SRU.edu/tickets.
