Sound Jargon

diegetic

effects that are required by the text (as part of the performance) for instance: the sound of a moving car or the barn door closing. This can also be described as 'foley'

non-diegetic

these sounds enhance a scene but are not necessary in the script. Non-diegetic sound creates mood and atmosphere. It can underscore a key moment of dialogue or action.

incidental sound

this is the sound that usually introduces the audience to the play - also known as the pre-set sound or play-out music. it lets the audience know clues to how they should feel. it prepares them for the designer's concept. interval music comes into this category.

soundscape

sound that is created live on stage by the actos. for instance, the Equus sound if performed live.

pre-recorded sound

this refers to sound designed by a sound engineer and played through the speakers of a theatre. it can be sound that is familiar (i.e. an artist) or it can be sound that the engineer has created and uses in performance. it is not created 'live' by the actors or musicians.

speakers

you must make practical decisions about the speakers and their position. where will you position these? how claustrophobic do you want the audience to feel? do you want to use surround sound? it's so you want the speakers to face the audience (directional)?

live music

will you use any live music in the piece? this might be in the shape of an orchestra to underscore the drama or it might be in the use of smaller percussive to create a percussive soundscape.