Careers

Composer & Sound Designer

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Get insights from Composer & Sound Designer Adam Cork

“When writing music and designing sound for a play, it’s up to me to draw from the text musical themes which can be used to underscore the dialogue, accompany songs and enable the transitions between scenes, as well as to amplify or treat the voice and create literal or imaginary soundscapes.”

Adam Cork

Role

This is two jobs in one. A composer’s work can range from writing songs for musicals to music that underscores plays. They work with a director and, if there are many songs, a Musical Director, writing in a tone and style suitable for the production and the director’s vision.

A Sound Designer will create a ‘soundscape’, which could either be a literal aid to the scenic design or more abstractly represent character and feeling, or fulfil both functions. They also design a sound-system that can deliver all aural aspects of a production evenly to the audience in a performance space, including the composer’s music. 

Responsibilities

  • Working with the director, designer, Lighting Designer and actors to create a world of music and sound that supports a production, adding to and enhancing the overall effect of the performance
  • Reading a script carefully, being aware of music and sound references relevant to the place and period in which it’s set, engaging with the twists and turns of a rehearsal process, orchestrating and recording music for instrumentalists
  • If pre-existing music is required, communicating with the producer regarding the acquisition of permissions for use
  • Managerial and technical skills – i.e. developing the sound-cue plot, recording and manipulating sound tracks and files, booking studios and organising recording sessions with musicians and sometimes with actors as well
  • Communicating with the Production Manager and Stage Manager. Achieving results as thoroughly and as quickly as you can in the sometimes heated atmosphere of the technical rehearsal

Key Skills

  • The ability to turn an idea, concept or mood into a piece of music or a sound texture
  • Working collaboratively and being open to the contribution of others. Also being objective about whether a piece of music/sound works within the context of the production
  • Thorough working knowledge of computer-based playback software. The industry standard is currently Qlab for Macintosh, though there are other applications available – e.g. SFX for Windows
  • Knowledge of how mixing desks, speakers, microphones and digital signal processors work and how to programme these where necessary
  • Good communication with your own (Sound) department, particularly the Sound Operator if one is required for mixing microphones, and your Production Sound Engineer, who will install the system you design

Training

Vocational training in Sound Design is available within drama schools. Some people start by doing a broader-based Stage Management/Technical Arts course, learning about different disciplines, then select and specialise in Sound. Work placements and ‘sound op’ing’ in theatres is a good way into the industry. Student and fringe theatre also offer good opportunities to develop skills and establish contacts. 

Courses

Other courses are available. Those above represent a sample from various drama schools and universities.

Further Reading

  • Theatre Sound by John A Leonard, 2001
  • Sound and Music for the Theatre – The Art and Technique of Design by Deena Kaye and James Lebrecht, 2009
  • Yamaha Sound Reinforcement Handbook

See also