Job Description

CATALYST | Assistant Sound Designer on The King’s Ransom

Fixed Term Freelance Contract, Approx. 27 days between 26 October-16 December 2026 at £135 per day (+ 1.5 day rate during tech week)

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 and composition 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.

Experience you will gain and what you can expect

• You will get practical experience as Assistant Sound Designer so will be required to serve as a proactive and positive member of the team
• Attend rehearsals and meetings with the Sound Designer, gaining insight into the design process; liaising, note taking and other ad hoc tasks as part of this process
• Attend meetings at the Sound Designer’s or other studio/recording locations
• Attend technical rehearsals and previews
• Assist the Sound Designer and Production team with speaker and patch plans

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience as a lead Sound Designer on at least 4 fringe-level or above productions (Higher Education productions whilst in training 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).

Desirable

• Familiarity with QLab

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
• 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.

Apply via careers.donmarwarehouse.com