Audio
What critics have said-
The Body of an American– “Anthony Churchill’s set and projections (with an exotic carpet covering a stage perched atop a bed of sand/snow) is richly enhanced by John Kohn III’s lighting and Stephen Gawrit’s sound design.”– Chicago Sun Times
Jet Black Chevrolet– “Director Devon De Mayo and sound designer Stephen Gawrit construct terror all too capably—the final “phantom” should leave you deeply unsettled, to say the least.”– Chicago Reader
Sycamore– “…the sound design by Stephen Gawrit is just exquisite; youthful, naïve, and eerie all at once..”– Performink
Home of the Gentry– “The show’s greatest asset is Stephen Gawrit’s sound design, which effectively merges Mikey Moran’s original incidental music with classical selections that reinforce the story’s setting (1840s Russia) as well as its emotional content.” – Chicago Reader
Animals Out of Paper– “The original music by Stephen Gawrit who also did the sound in sheer perfection to the scenes we are watching as well as the interludes between.” – Around the Town Chicago
Push Button Murder- “Stephen Gawrit’s sound design, made up of a lot of low-end rumbles and droning hums, adds to the atmosphere quite effectively.” – Newcity Stage
Lives of the Pigeons– “Sound Designer Stephen Gawrit brings his signature sophistication, using music and sound that creep into our heads and hold us enthralled to the action.” – Chicago Theater Beat
The Illusion– “Kudos to Stephen Gawrit for enhancing the effect with his moody, atmospheric sound design, composed of dripping water, thunder, wind and wispy strains of music.” – Chicago Theatre Review
All Girl Dracula– “Leigh Barrett’s lighting design, in conjunction with silent movie-esque title cards and Stephen Gawrit’s Sound Design, keep the context clear and the atmosphere effectively claustrophobic and spooky.” – EDGE Chicago
“Using backlit screens, scenery projections, haunting sound effects and soft-colored lighting, sound engineer Stephen Gawrit and lighting designer Leigh Barrett magically transported the audience from the small venue into haunted graveyards, ancient castles and subterranean asylums that were wholly convincing.” – Loyola Phoenix
We Three– “The sinister edge of the evening… is enhanced by ice-and-electric-guitar soundscape of Stephen Gawrit.”– Chicago Theatre Review
Through the Leaves– “This production of Through the Leaves is well directed by and beautifully layered. Director Andy Hager’s staging is expertly done, and even the sound has an odd effect. Hearing the romantic songs of Motown and Johnny Cash sung in German is both funny and jarring juxtaposed with the naturalistic action and setting. Hearing “I Could Have Danced All Night” faintly and in the style of old carousel music gave me chills – this relationship is no dainty carousel ride, and is instead a horses-frothing-at-the-mouth and flesh being exquisitely torn apart jaunt.” – Chicago Theater Beat
Request Concert– “All of the elements of this production are very subtle. In the background, I thought I could hear the sound of cars and traffic. If the theatre wasn’t in quiet Roger’s Park, I would have just assumed it was the sound of Chicago. That environmental design and the compilation of songs playing on the radio’s “Request Concert Hour” were designed by Stephen Gawrit.” – Chicago Theater Review
“The music chosen for the play is full of melancholy and romance straight from the Technicolor era. Songs from musicals and cheery songs are heard, but sung with a side of disillusion. “Baubles, Bangles, and Beads” from Kismet is sung by Nina Simone, giving a wry irony to what is a fantasy song of being given jewels and getting married. Billie Holiday and the Ink Spots are heard singing optimistic songs with a helping of emotional pain.” – Chicago Theater Beat
Mike and Seth– “And I am not sure who gets the credit for the hilarious porn tape running as the show begins – sound designer Stephen Gawrit? But it gets the evening off to a properly whimsical start.” – Chicago Stage Standard
“The sound effects, which included texts, calls, and hotel pornography, must have presented unique challenges, but all went smoothly and were very convincing thanks to the work of Sound designer Stephen Gawrit and Board Operator Dan Cohen.” – Around Town Chicago
“…the sound design by Stephen Gawrit genuinely makes you feel like there’s a blizzard storming outside.” – Windy City Media Group
Sound Composition Samples-
Selection of Original Music- Stephen Gawrit
Animals Out of Paper- Original Music in collaboration with Andrew Pascale- Shattered Globe
All Girl Dracula- Original Music- The Mammals Chicago
The Illusion- Sound Design for The Right Brain Project
We Three- Sound Design for The side project
Hammer- Music Arr. by Trevor Patrick Watkin
Stalk- Words and Music by Stephen Gawrit