Sound Design for Theatre

This five-day hands-on course will introduce you to the practical, creative and technological aspects of sound design and management for the stage.

An Asian man sits in front of two computer screens at a desk, wearing a blank t-shirt and black headphones. On the screen he has two black windows open.

Key information:

Course dates:: Mon 20 – Fri 24 Jul 2026
Course times:: 10am–5pm
Age:: 16+
Art form:: Production Arts
Fees:: £615
Deadline:: Bookings will close at 5pm on Friday 3 July 2026 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)
Contact details:: shortcourses@gsmd.ac.uk; +44 (0)20 7382 2310

Public booking opens at 11am, Monday 1 December. Join our mailing list before Friday 28 November to receive priority booking.

Ages 16+

Course Dates & Times

Monday 20 – Friday 24 July 2026
10am–5pm

About Sound Design for Theatre

This five-day hands-on course will introduce you to the practical, creative and technological aspects of sound design and management for the stage.

Who is the course for?

Anyone aged 16 and over with an interest in sound, its manipulation and use in a theatrical or narrative context.

What can I expect?

The course covers the purpose and timeline of theatre sound through designing as well as an introduction to relevant software:

Software: QLab and Pro Tools
FX recording and editing
Aspects of Sound Design: atmospheres and spot FX

This is a practical course during which you will create sound cues. The course will culminate in a live performance where you will be given the opportunity to execute these.

Do I need anything for the course?

Paper or notepad
Pen or pencil

'Grant was fantastic, made the environment very open and very fun, engaging, no such thing as a silly question or too many questions.'

– Fiona, Sound Design for Theatre, Summer 2025

Course Fee

£615

Public booking opens at 11am, Monday 1 December. Join our mailing list before Friday 28 November to receive priority booking.

Participation Bursaries are available for this course. Please note the application deadline for Participation Bursaries is 27 April 2026.

Eligibility

We welcome participants from all ages 16 and over
Participants must have sufficient English language skills in order to fully engage with the course

About the Course Tutor

The course is taught by Grant Shalks.

Grant began his career as a recording engineer and composer in 1999, and more recently has been lecturing in all aspects of sound including recording, composing and sound design from 2004 to the present. Clients include IBM, Stagecoach and Clockwork Games.