adapt existing designs to changed circumstances
Adapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.
Sound designers develop a sound design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Sound designers prepare audio fragments to be used in a performance, which can involve recording, composing, manipulating and editing. Sound designers develop plans, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Sound designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating sound art outside a performance context.
Competences and skills
75 ESCO relationsEssential skills and competences 44 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
33 competencesadapt to artists' creative demands
Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.
analyse a script
Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.
analyse music score
Analysing the score, form, themes and structure of a piece of music.
analyse the artistic concept based on stage actions
Analyse the artistic concept, form and structure of a live performance based on observation during rehearsals or improvisation. Create a structured base for the design process of a specific production.
analyse the scenography
Analyse the selection and distribution of material elements on a stage.
coach staff for running the performance
Give instructions to all team members about how they should run the performance.
communicate during show
Communicate efficiently with other professionals during a live performance show, anticipating any possible malfunctioning.
conduct costume research
Ensure that costumes and pieces of clothing in visual artistic productions are historically correct, based on research conducted in primary sources as literature, museums, newspapers, pictures, etc.
contextualise artistic work
Identify influences and situate your work within a specific trend which may be of an artistic, aesthetic, or philosophical natures. Analyse the evolution of artistic trends, consult experts in the field, attend events, etc.
coordinate audio system programmes
Coordinate the requirements, integration, and installation of audio control system programs.
digital
define artistic approach
Define your own artistic approach by analysing your previous work and your expertise, identifying the components of your creative signature, and starting from these explorations to describe your artistic vision.
develop an artistic framework
Develop a specific framework for research, creation and completion of artistic work.
develop design concept
Research information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production. Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff members, in order to develop design concepts and plan productions.
develop design ideas cooperatively
Share and develop design ideas with the artistic team. Conceptualise new ideas independently and with others. Present your idea, gain feedback and take it into account. Make sure the design fits with the work of other designers.
mix multi-track recordings
Mix recorded sound from several sources using a mix panel, and edit it to obtain the desired mix.
mix sound in a live situation
Mix audio signals from multiple sound sources during rehearsals or in a live situation.
monitor developments in technology used for design
Identify and explore recent developments in technology and materials used in the live performance industry, in order to create an up-to-date technical background for one’s personal design work.
monitor sociological trends
Identify and investigate sociological trends and movements in society.
operate an audio mixing console
Operate an audio mixing system during rehearsals or during live performances.
digital
operate sound live
Operate sound system and audio devices during rehearsals or in a live situation.
digital
perform quality control of design during a run
Control and ensure the quality of design results during a run.
prevent fire in a performance environment
Take steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are aware of fire prevention measures.
program sound cues
Program sound cues and rehearse sound states before or during rehearsals.
digital
propose improvements to artistic production
Assess past artistic activities with a view to improving future projects.
record multi-track sound
Recording and mixing audio signals from different sound sources on a multi-track recorder.
digital
safeguard artistic quality of performance
Observe the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.
understand artistic concepts
Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.
update design results during rehearsals
Updating the design results based on observation of the stage image during the rehearsals, especially where the different designs and the action are integrated.
use audio reproduction software
Operate software and equipment that transform and reproduce digital, analogue sounds and sound waves into the desired perceivable audio to be streamed.
digital
use communication equipment
Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.
digital
work safely with chemicals
Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.
work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervision
Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.
- Scope note
- This competence is limited to mobile, temporary installations with connectors. In some countries, workers are only alowed to perform this kind of actions under supervision of a qualified person.
Cross-sector
11 competencesattend rehearsals
Attend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.
keep up with trends
Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.
meet deadlines
Ensure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.
plan audiovisual recording
Plan audio-visual recordings.
present artistic design proposals
Prepare and present detailed design suggestions for a specific production to a mixed group of people, including technical, artistic and management staff.
research new ideas
Thorough research for information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production based.
use specialised design software
Developing new designs mastering specialised software.
digital
use technical documentation
Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.
verify feasibility
Interpret an artistic plan and verify whether the described design can be executed.
work ergonomically
Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
work with respect for own safety
Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.
Optional knowledge 2 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Cross-sector
2 competencescopyright legislation
Legislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.
labour legislation
Legislation, on a national or international level, that governs labour conditions in various fields between labour parties such as the government, employees, employers, and trade unions.
Optional skills and competences 29 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
19 competencesadapt artistic plan to location
Adjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.
analyse the need for technical resources
Define and make a list of the required resources and equipment based on the technical needs of the production.
calculate design costs
Calculate design costs to make sure the project is financially viable.
develop drama production process
Have and develop a thorough understanding of the dramatic production process.
document your own practice
Documenting your own work practice for different purposes like assessment, time management, job application etc.
draw up artistic production
File and document a production in all its phases right after the performance period so that it can be reproduced and all relevant information remains accessible.
ensure safety of mobile electrical systems
Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution independently. Measure and power up an installation.
- Scope note
- This competence is limited to mobile, temporary installations with connectors. In some countries, working independently is related to a specific degree or certificate.
monitor mixing in a live situation
Monitor mixing in a live audio situation, under own responsibility.
perform soundchecks
Test the sound equipment of a venue to ensure smooth operation during the performance. Cooperate with performers to make sure the venue equipment is adjusted for the requirements of the performance. Check instrument setup and ensure correct functioning of the audio equipment. Anticipate possible technical problems during a live show.
prospect new customers
Initiate activities in order to attract new and interesting customers. Ask for recommendations and references, find places where potential customers can be located.
read musical score
Read the musical score during rehearsal and live performance.
record music
Record a sound or musical performance in a studio or live environment. Use the appropriate equipment and your professional judgment to capture the sounds with optimal fidelity.
set up a multi-track recording
Make the necessary preparations to record music or other sounds on several tracks.
set up basic recording
Set up a basic stereo audio recording system.
digital
set up equipment in a timely manner
Make sure to set up equipment according to deadlines and time schedules.
set up sound reinforcement system
Set up an analogue sound reinforcement system in a live situation.
technically design a sound system
Set up, test and operate a complex audio system, based on a given sound concept. This could be a permanent as well as a temporary installation.
digital
tune up wireless audio systems
Tune up a wireless audio system in a live situation.
digital
update budget
Make sure that a given budget remains up to date using most recent and most accurate information. Anticipate possible variations and ensure that the set budgetary goals can be reached within the given context.
Cross-sector
10 competencesdevelop professional network
Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up to date on their activities.
- Scope note
- This includes the development of social relationships with patients and customers.
follow safety procedures when working at heights
Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.
keep personal administration
File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.
lead a team
Lead, supervise and motivate a group of people, in order to meet the expected results within a given timeline and with the foreseen resources in mind.
manage personal professional development
Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.
research
organise resources for artistic production
Coordinate human, material and capital resources within artistic productions, based on the given documentation e.g. scripts.
provide technical documentation
Prepare and distribute documentation to ensure all people involved in the production receive relevant and up-to-date information.
translate artistic concepts to technical designs
Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.
use personal protection equipment
Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
work safely with machines
Check and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.
- Scope note
- Includes more generally used small electrical and mechanical tools like drills, manual sawing machines, washing machines, sewing machines, etc. that are also used in non professional environment.