In part 1 of this blog post on Radio Plays, I wrote about this great opportunity for voice actors and how authentic (or spot on) accents can be necessary. In part 2 on the Radio Play, I talk about the process from the read-through to the record, comparing it to a film or TV set.

After the play is recorded, then starts another huge process; post production. Sound Engineer, Mark Holden, owner of The Invisible Studios, works with the director (Rosalind Ayres) to piece together all the scenes, the best takes. Part of this process is music and sound effects. With sound effects, there are two kinds; computer generated and live foley.

For our foley session, Ros brings in a box filled with potential sounds to go with each scene. She’s marked in the script exactly where those sounds are required. Then we got to work.

Foley is fascinating and fun. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Ros and husband Martin Jarvis (Jarvis Ayres productions) on many foley sessions. You’d be amazed at what makes a particular sound.

First we had to replicate long woolen clothing (these Moliere plays were period pieces taking place in 16oo). Ros had a large woolen scarf that I draped in front of me walking slowing from a corner of the room up to the mic. Suddenly I was transformed back to that time, imagining a woman walking in that clothing.

Next, was a man in armor. Ros used large aluminum cooking pot tops and chains. I had to walk in a masculine way holding the tops against my body with the chains hanging in front. Once again, I became that man in 1600 in armor as I approached the mic. (Ros was in hysterics in the corner because it sounded so real!).

We went on to create a necklace dropping on a cobblestone street, a man in street clothing and a special box with a love letter being looked at then passed along to one of the characters.

When we were done, I felt like I was transported back to the scenes in School For Husbands and Imaginary Cuckold.

Just as the voices bring the play to life for the listener, the sound effects act as other characters, all creating this wonderful aural magic genre of entertainment.

These LA Theatre Works radio plays will go on the air across the Country in the next couple of months. Go to www.LATW.org for more information.

The plays were recorded at The Invisible Studios in West Hollywood, California.

-Tracy Pattin