Answer to Question 1
The sound designer uses stage microphones that detect the sounds on stage and amplify them through loudspeakers. A sound designer uses area mikes to pick up sounds in a wide area, and shotgun mikes to focus on a specific direction. Another common tool of the sound designer is a wireless body mike, which actors wear attached either to their clothes or to their heads. Today, digital sound technology is the norm, and sound designers store their designs on compact discs, minidiscs, stand-alone digital workstations, or a computer's hard drive.
Answer to Question 2
Many theatrical forms rely on the improvisational creativity of the actor rather than on the playwright's written words. Improvisation is a central element in African culture, where spontaneous interaction with an audience can transform a performance. Many African countries maintain a tradition in which traveling troupes of actors work from an outline prepared by the leader of the troupe. The stock characters reflect African typesthe aged and crippled female crone, the cocky young stud, and the usual collection of gluttonous servants and tricksters. Improvisation plays an important role in many Asian theatrical traditions, as performers adapt well-known stories or prepared material to topical events. In the bhavai tradition of Gujarat, India, traveling players hone a repertoire of sketches. These sketches are not written down but are passed on from father to son through practice and performance. When the players arrive in a town, they inquire about current events and issues of importance to the local people. This information helps them choose what sketches to perform, so their improvisations will be relevant and filled with topical allusions to which the audience can relate. Improvisational theatre is also alive and well in the United States and Canada. Second City and Chicago City Limits are long-running theatre events in which actors improvise and create from ideas proposed by the audience. A simple subject or title volunteered by an audience member can serve as the dramatic text and form the catalyst for comic sketches.
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