At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist the Sound Designer in creating immersive soundscapes for a Donmar production.
- Company: Join the Donmar Warehouse, a leader in inclusive theatre.
- Benefits: Earn £135/day, gain mentorship, 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: 3 August 2026
Department: Catalyst
Employment Type: Freelance
Location: Donmar Warehouse Theatre
Reporting To: Sound Designer, Tony Gayle 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 underrepresented 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:
- Along with the creative team, attend and take notes at rehearsals and production meetings
- 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
As part of the training programme, 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
- 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
Terms and Dates: Fixed Term Freelance Contract, 25-27 days between 31st August & 20th October 2026 at £135 per day (+ 1.5 day rate during tech week)
Availability Key Dates:
- Onboarding- w/c 24th August 2026 (1-2 days)
- Rehearsals Commence- w/c 31st August 2026
- Tech Week- 5th - 10th October 2026
- Previews- 10th - 16th October 2026
- Press Night - 20th October 2026
Working hours: Flexible–dates and hours to be mutually agreed with the Sound Designer and Head of Inclusion and Skills. Travel and accommodation bursaries are available for candidates based outside of London.
How to apply: To apply, you will need to submit an up to date portfolio by link or URL, CV and complete the online form via this Careers Page.
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 underrepresented 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.
CATALYST | Assistant Sound Designer - Ilford Boy in London employer: DONMAR WAREHOUSE
The Donmar Warehouse Theatre is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment through its CATALYST programme. This role offers unique opportunities for professional growth, mentorship from industry leaders, and access to a vibrant community of emerging artists, all while working in the heart of London’s theatrical scene. With a commitment to equitable access, the Donmar empowers early-career artists to develop their skills and artistic voice in a supportive and dynamic setting.
