The Borderland - Directed by Kyle Hatley

Sound Design by Eric Sefton

For this show, I had the great opportunity to continue to work with Kyle Hatley as my director. When a chance to assist the Sound Designer for Kansas City Repertory Theatre came about, I jumped at the chance. My main responsibility was to program SFX in the Copaken Theatre where I had worked before, and was readily familiar. Right before this show, I told Kyle about how I was afraid of sound designing rainstorms because of how many different sounds there are, and have dynamics more than just volume. This show helped cure me of that. I helped the Sound Designer realize his vision and incorporated his sounds into the space. I also was in charge of the microphone plot on the stage. The biggest challenge this show posed was the approaching and passing of a rain and thunderstorm. We had several speakers in the space each playing a different texture of rain, and made each of the rain, wind, thunder, and night ambiences change dynamically and follow a path and pattern the designer and I plotted out. By the time we opened, I felt like I could conquer any rainstorm sound design that may be put in front of me. It was an adventurous learning experience for me.

As Assistant Sound Designer, Eric had me record some household sounds that would be heard offstage. The following sequences I recorded and implemented in the soundscape of the show.

Prepping a Chicken

Making Sandwiches

Cleaning the Bathtub (through the wall)

Files are available for download upon request

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