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- Tasks: Assist the Sound Designer in creating immersive soundscapes for a theatre production.
- Company: Join the Donmar Warehouse, a leader in inclusive theatre.
- Benefits: ÂŁ135/day, mentorship from industry leaders, and access to a vibrant alumni community.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and travel bursaries available for candidates outside London.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in theatre with hands-on experience and professional development.
- Qualifications: Experience as a lead sound designer on at least 4 productions and a passion for inclusivity.
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: ÂŁ135 / 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
CATALYST | Assistant Sound Designer - A Month in the Country employer: DONMAR WAREHOUSE
Contact Detail:
DONMAR WAREHOUSE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CATALYST | Assistant Sound Designer - A Month in the Country
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, workshops, and even casual meet-ups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role. Plus, it’s a great way to learn from others in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and be seen! If there are any open rehearsals or events at the Donmar, make sure to attend. Being present not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a chance to connect with the creative team directly.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about reaching out! If you see a project or a person you admire, drop them a message. A simple note expressing your interest can go a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace CATALYST | Assistant Sound Designer - A Month in the Country
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for sound design shine through! We want to see why this role excites you and how it fits into your creative journey.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in sound design. We’re looking for specific examples of your work on productions, so don’t hold back on the details that showcase your skills!
Be Authentic: We value diverse voices and backgrounds, so be honest about your identity and experiences. Share how your unique perspective can contribute to our team and the production.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and keep everything organised. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at DONMAR WAREHOUSE
✨Know Your Sound Design Basics
Make sure you brush up on your sound design knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with key concepts, tools like QLab, and any relevant software. Being able to discuss your experience with sound design confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Artistic Vision
Be prepared to articulate your artistic vision and how this opportunity fits into your career path. Think about specific examples from your past work that highlight your creativity and how you’ve contributed to a team. This will help you stand out as a candidate who is not just skilled but also passionate.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a creative team, demonstrate your collaborative spirit during the interview. Share experiences where you’ve successfully worked in a team setting, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute positively to the Donmar's inclusive environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the production process, the team dynamics, or how the Donmar supports under-represented artists. Asking questions shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation, making a lasting impression.