CATALYST | Assistant Sound Designer – A Month in the Country
Application Deadline: 31 May 2026
Department: Catalyst
Employment Type: Freelance
Location: Donmar Warehouse Theatre
Reporting To: Sound Designer, Max Pappenheim and Head of Inclusion and Skills, Stacey Carr
Compensation: £135 / day
Description
Mission: Creating equitable access to the industry is a core Donmar value. CATALYST is a professional development programme for those who have been historically under‑represented at the Donmar and within the sector. We are interested in supporting artists who identify as being a part of the global majority, trans, non‑binary, D/deaf or disabled, neurodivergent or from a lower socio‑economic background. The programme provides key professional development for these artists to catapult their careers to the next level, preparing them to thrive and lead in the theatre sector.
About the role: As a part of the Donmar’s CATALYST professional development training programme, the role is an opportunity for outstanding, early‑career artists to receive bespoke training, both practical and observational, by assisting the Sound Designer to realise the sound design for a Donmar production. The goal is to gain insight into a high‑level production process while developing and strengthening your skills and artistic voice.
Key Responsibilities
- Attend rehearsals and production meetings and take notes with the creative team
- Attend meetings at the Sound Designer’s or other studio or recording locations
- Attend technical rehearsals and previews, assisting as necessary
- Assist the Sound Designer and Production with speaker and patch plans
- Serve as a proactive member of the creative team, willing to fill any gaps that arise
Terms and Dates
Fixed Term Freelance Contract, 25‑27 days between 13 July‑2 September 2026 at £135 per day (+ 1.5 day rate during tech week)
AVAILABILITY
- Onboarding – w/o 29 June or 6 July (1‑2 days)
- Rehearsals Commence – 13 July 2026
- Tech Week – 17‑22 August 2026
- Previews – 22‑28 August 2026
- Press Night – 2nd September 2026
Working hours: Flexible – dates and hours to be mutually agreed with the Set & Costume Designer and Head of Inclusion and Skills.
Travel and accommodation bursaries are available for candidates based outside of London.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience as a lead sound designer on at least 4 fringe‑level or above productions (Higher Education productions not included)
- Experience of working with professional creative teams
- Experience of working with professional technical and stage management teams
- Able to demonstrate and articulate a clear artistic vision and reason for pursuing the opportunity and why this is a crucial next step for their creative practice and career
- At least one element of your identity or an intersection of identities that is currently under‑represented in creative roles in the theatre industry (Global majority, trans, non‑binary, D/deaf or disabled, neurodivergent or from a lower socio‑economic background)
Nice to have
- Familiarity with QLab, Mainstream DAWs and Yamaha sound desk
What You Will Receive
- Access to mentorship from a leading practitioner in the development of a large‑scale, ambitious production
- Mentoring support from the Head of Inclusion and Skills and Resident Assistant Director
- Company‑wide investment in your professional development where we encourage you to connect with the wider Donmar community as much as possible to gain insight into the sector at large
- A 1‑hour mentoring session with a leading theatre maker post‑contract
- Access to a vibrant and active Donmar trainee alumni community of emerging directors and designers which includes post‑contract invites to networking mixers and Donmar productions, ongoing coaching and mentorship as needed, as well as other learning and professional development opportunities from our sector partners and beyond
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