**Episode 4: Featuring Mike Skinner – The Art of Sound Design and Creativity in Theater**

In this episode of *Creative Journeys*, Dave and Melanie sit down with Mike Skinner, Chair of the Theater Department at Southern Connecticut State University, to explore the intersection of sound design, storytelling, and the creative process. Mike shares his journey from musician to sound designer, recounting how he discovered the power of combining sound and theater to enhance storytelling.

The conversation dives into how the pandemic reshaped theater education, with Mike introducing innovative approaches like radio dramas and live-streamed performances to adapt to a world without in-person audiences. He discusses the emotional impact of bringing live audiences back to the theater and how these experiences influenced teaching methods, such as incorporating audition tape creation and voiceover acting into the curriculum.

Mike also reflects on the importance of collaboration, imagination, and finding inspiration in the everyday world. Whether it’s using the sound of malfunctioning grocery store doors or drawing from bird songs for a theater performance, he emphasizes that creativity surrounds us if we take the time to notice it.

This episode is a must-listen for theater enthusiasts, educators, and anyone curious about the magic of sound and storytelling in the creative arts. Tune in to discover how Mike inspires students to embrace their creative potential and redefine what it means to be a storyteller.

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