Sound Designer

The Sound Designer is responsible for creating an appropriate sound plan, detailing where any live band is to be placed (in the orchestra pit or visible on stage within the set), and how microphones are to be used to allow any band and cast dialogue or singing to be properly mixed. If the cast will be wearing radio microphones, the Sound Designer may want to discuss with Costume Designer how the microphones will be hidden within the costumes, especially if quick costume or microphone changes are necessary.

Some directors will have a very strong view about the overall design (e.g. using radio microphones or not), whereas others will give their designers a greater input into creating the sound design for the show.

For best results, the Sound Designer should work with the other designers to ensure the sound design is consistent with the overall design ideas, especially with regard to placement of the band if they are on stage. A production will look a lot better if each designer is following a consistent thread and taking into account of the look and atmosphere being created by the other designers.

Show-specific variations

It is uncommon for a show in Cambridge to have both a Sound Designer (for live mixing) and a Sound Effects Designer (for sourcing sound effects). Where live mixing is needed in a show, the Sound Designer normally takes on the responsibilities of the Sound Effects Designer as well.

It is normally left up to the Sound Designer to decide whether they also want to take on the responsibilities of Sound Operator during performances.

If you do want somebody else to take on this roles of Sound Effects Designer or Sound Operator, you should discuss this at an early production meeting, so as to ensure that everybody in the show knows what is happening, and that suitable time is allowed to find people to take on these roles.