At a Glance
- Tasks: Design immersive soundscapes for the iconic musical, Little Shop of Horrors.
- Company: Join Derby Theatre and Northern Stage, renowned for innovative productions.
- Benefits: Paid role with industry-standard compensation and creative collaboration.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a diverse and inclusive theatre environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a cult classic and showcase your sound design talent.
- Qualifications: Experience in professional sound design for theatre productions required.
The predicted salary is between 22500 - 27500 £ per year.
For Summer 2026, Derby Theatre and Northern Stage will produce the cult classic, Little Shop of Horrors – the deliciously dark, delightfully tongue-in-cheek musical that’s charmed audiences for over 40 years. Packed with unforgettable songs like Skid Row, Suddenly Seymour, and Feed Me, this outrageous musical promises killer tunes, unexpected laughs and larger-than-life characters.
Derby Theatre and Northern Stage are looking for an experienced Sound Designer to work alongside Director Sarah Brigham and the Creative Team on Little Shop of Horrors. You will have experience of working on two or more professional productions as Sound Designer. You will work closely with the Director, Musical Supervisor and Orchestrations Adaptor Matthew Malone and the Musical Director. This is a paid role in line with industry standards.
In line with our commitment to the regions we serve, we want to use this opportunity to particularly meet Designers originally from or now based in the Midlands or North East.
Key Info
- DATES
- Rehearsals will run from Tuesday 7 April to Saturday 2 May 2026 in Derby.
- Technical rehearsals will take place from Monday 4 May 2026 at Northern Stage.
- Previews will run at Northern Stage from Friday 8 May to Tuesday 12 May 2026 with press night on Wednesday 13 May 2026.
- Technical rehearsals will take place from Monday 25 May 2026 at Derby Theatre.
- Previews will run at Derby Theatre from Saturday 30 May to Monday 1 June 2026 with press night on Tuesday 2 June 2026.
This role will be required to attend the first day of rehearsals and then during rehearsals at times to be arranged with the Director. During rehearsals there will be a weekly production meeting which can be attended remotely. The role will be required full time during technical rehearsals until the Press Night performance at both Stage and Derby Theatre. There will also be additional preparatory work to be arranged with the Director.
How to Apply
Please register your interest by sending your CV to s.allen@derby.ac.uk along with some audio examples of your portfolio. Please put: “LSOH Sound” as the subject of your email. We kindly ask all artists to complete Derby Theatre’s Equalities Monitoring Form by following the link HERE. The deadline for expressions of interests is Monday 10 November 2025 at 9am. Artists will be contacted by Friday 12 December 2025 to let them know if they have been shortlisted. Shortlisted artists will meet with the Director in w/c 15 December 2025. All artists will be contacted regarding the outcome of the process in w/c 22 December 2025.
In line with Derby Theatre and Northern Stage's effort to build a more diverse and representative theatre industry, we are particularly interested in hearing from Disabled Designers, Designers from the Global Majority, and/or Designers from working class/lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Northern Stage is a theatre where everyone is welcome. We make and present contemporary theatre, live performance and creative programmes that spark connections, provoke curiosity and joy, and explore new ways of seeing the world home in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne. We promote creativity and provide life‑changing experiences for people who would not normally have access to such opportunities. Northern Stage is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, which means funding thanks to National Lottery players plays a huge part in our work.
Call out: Sound Designer in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Northern Stages’ group
Northern Stages is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, perfect for creative individuals passionate about the performing arts. With opportunities for personal and professional growth, particularly in the dynamic environments of Derby and Newcastle, we encourage diverse talents to join our team and contribute to memorable productions like 'Little Shop of Horrors'.
