Sound Design

IB Theatre Principles of Sound Design - IB Theatre Teacher Support Material The theatre sound designer is responsible for everything the audience hears and works closely with the Director and a range of other staff to create the aural world of the show.

The Sound Designer:

May create sound effects, atmospheres, sonic textures, and filmic ambiances that will create naturalistic and abstract worlds for the show's story, as well as aid the audience's emotional and dramatic connection with the performance.
May choose, edit and remix music; work with a composer to make original music; or work with live musicians in the theatre.
May advise on how to best hear the performers, which may involve acoustic adjustments to the theatre and set, or the addition and configuration of radio and/or float mics for the performers.
Will design a sound system that accommodates the specific production and auditorium and gives the audience the best experience of the show.

Adapted from What is a Sound Designer for Theatre?, ASDP (Association for Sound Design and Production).

Look on this page for links to articles, videos and websites for information about sound design.

Production Elements
The IB Theater course divides production elements into scenic (costume, set, props, make-up, etc.) and technical (lights, sound, multimedia, etc.). Think of the individual elements as “tools of the trade”, each tool purposefully deployed in order to craft moments of theatre and to have an effect on the audience. This document gives ideas for how you can experiment with the different production elements. IB Theatre Teacher Support Material

What is a Sound Designer for Theatre?

What is a Sound Designer for Theatre?
This article defines what a sound designer does in theatre production, and provides other background information on the history of sound design, the business of being a sound designer, and details on how to become a sound designer (through formal institutional training and apprenticeship, on-the-job training, and work-study, Presented by the ASDC (Association for Sound Design and Production), an organization in the UK for sound professionals and students.

Designing Sound for Theatre - National Theatre

Sound Designer and Composer Alma Kelliher discusses her creative process, her work on The Elephantom, and why sound should be arranged like a musical score.

How We Staged It | Creating the Sound in The Effect | National Theatre

Mic Check: Tips for Sound Technicians

Mic Check: Tips for Sound Technicians
This article gives tips that will help technicians produce high-quality sound for every theatre production. Topics covered include placing, securing, and caring for and cleaning microphones. Written by Jason Huffman for Dramatics, a publication of the International Thespian Society.

The use of Foley in Theatre

Robert Kaplowitz - Sound Designer

Tony Award-winning Sound Designer Robert Kaplowitz is responsible for the sound system and sound content of a production. In a play, that content includes both music and sound effects. His primary skills are listening and the ability to understand a play and help an audience connect to the text. Kaplowitz demonstrates creating sound effects and score. In a musical such as 'Fela!", he brings the existing music to the audience to create an immersive aural environment. Kaplowitz shares how he began his career and why he loves being a sound designer.

Matthew M. Nielson - Composing a Career in Sound Design

Curious Music Company
Curious Music Company, a production music company and music library, owned by composer, songwriter, and sound designer Matthew M. Nielson. Scroll down the page to listen to clips from select projects showcasing Curious Music’s sound design and audio post for broadcast and streaming work.
Composing a Career in Sound Design: An Interview with Sound Designer and Audio Engineer Matthew M. Nielson
An interview of Matthew M. Nielson, an award-winning sound designer, composer, and audio producer. He works on stages across the country and abroad,in film and television, on web-based projects, and in audio theatre and podcasts. Nielson talks about his career path and bout his career path and the tips he has for students looking to make a career in sound design.Written by Natalie Clare for Dramatics, a publication of the International Thespian Society.

IB Theatre - Production Proposal (first assessment 2024): Sound Design