Profession sound designer

Sound designers develop a sound design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Sound designers prepare audio fragments to be used in a performance, which can involve recording, composing, manipulating and editing. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Sound  designers develop plans, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Sound designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating sound art outside a performance context.

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Personality Type

• Realistic / Investigative
• Realistic / Conventional
• Realistic / Artistic

Skills

• Safeguard artistic quality of performance

  Observe the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.

• Adapt to artists' creative demands

  Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.

• Analyse the artistic concept based on stage actions

  Analyse the artistic concept, form and structure of a live performance based on observation during rehearsals or improvisation. Create a structured base for the design process of a specific production.

• Verify feasibility

  Interpret an artistic plan and verify whether the described design can be executed.

• Update design results during rehearsals

  Updating the design results based on observation of the stage image during the rehearsals, especially where the different designs and the action are integrated.

• Propose improvements to artistic production

  Assess past artistic activities with a view to improving future projects.

• Use communication equipment

  Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.

• Meet deadlines

  Ensure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.

• Work ergonomically

  Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

• Mix sound in a live situation

  Mix audio signals from multiple sound sources during rehearsals or in a live situation.

• Coach staff for running the performance

  Give instructions to all team members about how they should run the performance.

• Program sound cues

  Program sound cues and rehearse sound states before or during rehearsals.

• Communicate during show

  Efficient communication during live performance, anticipate any possible malfunctioning.

• Present detailed design proposals

  Prepare and present detailed design suggestions for a specific production to a mixed group of people, including technical, artistic and management staff.

• Analyse the scenography

  Analyse the selection and distribution of material elements on a stage.

• Analyse score

  Analysing the score, form, themes and structure of a piece of music.

• Use technical documentation

  Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.

• Monitor developments in technology used for design

  Identify and explore recent developments in technology and materials used in the live performance industry, in order to create an up-to-date technical background for one’s personal design work.

• Operate sound live

  Operate sound system and audio devices during rehearsals or in a live situation.

• Develop design concept

  Research information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production. Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff members, in order to develop design concepts and plan productions.

• Research new ideas

  Thorough research for information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production based.

• Perform quality control of design during a run

  Control and ensure the quality of design results during a run.

• Develop design ideas cooperatively

  Share and develop design ideas with the artistic team. Conceptualise new ideas independently and with others. Present your idea, gain feedback and take it into account. Make sure the design fits with the work of other designers.

• Mix multi-track recordings

  Mix recorded sound from several sources using a mix panel, and edit it to obtain the desired mix.

• Record multi-track sound

  Recording and mixing audio signals from different sound sources on a multi-track recorder.

• Analyse a script

  Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.

• Operate an audio mixing console

  Operate an audio mixing system during rehearsals or during live performances.

• Plan a recording

  Make the necessary arrangements to record music.

• Monitor sociological trends

  Identify and investigate sociological trends and movements in society.

• Adapt existing designs to changed circumstances

  Adapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB