264. Inside The Sound Design For A Unique Broadway Musical

In Episode 264, Sean and Andy talk with two members of the production team for the Broadway musical How to Dance in Ohio, sound designer Connor Wang and Liz Weber, who was a member of the Access Team for the show and also works as a sound engineer. The musical is based on the Peabody Award-winning documentary about the challenges and triumphs of a group of autistic young adults working toward their first spring formal dance, notably starring actual autistic actors as the characters. Connor and Liz talk about the unique approaches the show took to make sure it was sensory-friendly for both the cast and the audience. This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF.

The production also made strides in making every aspect of the show accessible to those with autism, both on stage and in the audience, for which it won a Special Award for Authentic Autistic Representation Team from the Drama Desk Awards in July 2024. Connor and Liz also discuss the use of assistive listening devices, headphones, and the careful design of sound effects to accommodate individuals with sound sensitivities, and highlight the importance of authentic casting and representation in the show. Further, they focus on the challenges and considerations of mixing sound for a theater production generally and How to Dance in Ohio specifically, including the importance of creating a full mix for the performers on stage without letting volume levels get out of control. Liz (they/them) also shares a bit about their work as a sound engineer for music venues and how the sensory issues their autism brings to the table influence their approach to mixing, proving as much a benefit as it can be a challenge.

Episode Links:
Connor Wang On Instagram
Liz Weber On Instagram
Connor Wang Designs
Meet the Folks Making How to Dance in Ohio Accessible at Every Performance
How to Dance in Ohio Access Team Drama Desk Award Acceptance Speech
“How to Make a Sound System More Accessible”
How to Dance in Ohio Performance At The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
How to Dance in Ohio (Original Documentary)
Episode 264 Transcript

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