For centuries, theater artists struggled to create a sense of intimacy while projecting their voices, so that even those in the back row could clearly hear the performance.
At the turn of the century, early sound systems, consisting of megaphones and then microphones connected to loudspeakers, were breakthroughs in carrying performances beyond the range of a human voice. The sound, however, tended to lack the full tonal range of natural sound. With the development of more precise sound amplification technology, advances in loudspeaker technology, and a better understanding of acoustics, performers could project a whisper across a crowded concert hall. This revolutionized live performance, allowing people throughout the audience to enjoy the sound with the same force and clarity as those seated in the front row. Just as talking movies were able to replace silent films, microphones and sound systems transformed live performance into a more intimate experience.
