Introduction to Theatre Sound Engineering

Short Courses - Summer Schools 2023 - Introduction to Theatre Sound Engineering - Participant at Sound Desk (Paul Cochrane)

Key information:

Course dates:
Fri 18 – Sun 20 July 2025
Course times:
10am–6pm
Age:
16+
Art form:
Production Arts
Fees:
£425
Deadline:
Bookings will close at 5pm on Monday 30 June 2025 or when the course reaches full capacity
Level of study:
Short Courses & Summer Schools (ages 18+) | Short Courses & Summer Schools, Workshops & Saturday Centres (under 18)
Mode of study:
In-person
Venue:
Guildhall School of Music & Drama
When:
Summer Schools (July–August)

Course info

This course is now full. Please join our waiting list and we will contact you if a place is still available.

Ages 16+

Course Dates & Times

Friday 18 – Sunday 20 July 2025
10am–6pm*

There will be an optional Q&A with the course tutor on the last day of the course from 6pm to 6.30pm.

About Introduction to Theatre Sound Engineering

This three-day course provides the perfect introduction to sound engineering for the theatre. Participants will learn the fundamental skills required to use digital sound consoles, PA systems & microphones.

During the course you will have access to a wide array of high-end, industry standard equipment at Guildhall School, where you will put your newly learnt skills into practice in our large, modern & fully equipped theatre.

Who is the course for?
  • Anyone aged 16 and above interested in theatre sound engineering
  • No prior sound engineering experience is needed
What can I expect?

This course is an introduction into four key areas of production sound engineering and will cover:

  • Setting up a digital sound desk
  • Patching
  • Tuning microphones
  • Building and tuning a PA system
  • The roles and responsibilities of a theatre sound engineer

At the end of the course, you will put your newly acquired skills into practice and build your very own sound system in our state-of-the-art Milton Court Theatre.

You will leave this course with an understanding of the role of a Production Sound Engineer, as well as key skills that can be further developed in the future.

There will be an optional Q&A with the course tutor on the last day of the course from 6pm to 6.30pm. 

"I really enjoyed it and I feel like I got so much from it, it was the perfect mix of theory and practical lessons and also fun!"

– Sara, participant on Introduction to Theatre Sound Engineering, 2024

Course Fee

£425
This course is now full. Please join our waiting list and we will contact you if a place is still available.
Participation Bursaries are available for this course. Please note the application deadline for Participation Bursaries is 9 June 2025.

Eligibility

About the Course Tutor

The course is taught by Ben Collins, Production Arts Tutor in the Theatre Technology department at Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

Ben has worked as a Production Sound Engineer and Sound Operator since graduating from Central School of Speech and Drama in 2013.

His credits as a sound operator include Once the Musical, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Invisible Man. His credits as a production sound engineer include The Crucible, Worst Wedding ever and Made in Dagenham.

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