Who we are
The Association of Sound Designers is a newly-launched professional association representing the interests of sound designers in the UK theatre industry. Our function is to connect the widely dispersed sound design community, to educate and promote high standards, and to foster professionalism between client and designer within the industry.
The formation of the ASD
In December 2009, Gregg Fisher organised a series of meetings with a small group of sound designers to start discussing the formation of an association for sound designers. Many conversations amongst designers prior to this had highlighted the desire for such an organisation and a couple of attempts had been made previously. This group of sound designers formed a steering committee and began discussing what such an organisation should do and how it might exist. The steering committee consisted of: Paul Arditti, Nela Brown, Steven Brown, Ian Dickinson, Carolyn Downing, Gregg Fisher, Gareth Fry, John Leonard, David McSeveney, Gareth Owen and Christopher Shutt.
In December 2010 we sent out an open letter to every sound designer we could find, inviting them to a meeting which was held at the Royal National Theatre on February 18th, 2011 which over 60 sound designers attended from across the country.
Further meetings were held at the Royal Court Theatre and the Royal Exchange: a board was elected, a name chosen, a constitution was voted on and we launched at the PLASA show on the 9th September, 2011.
The Association of Sound Designers is an unincorporated charitable association and is pursuing full charitable status.
The Association of Sound Designers' Board is elected annually at our AGM. The first election took place on April 15th, 2011 at the Royal Court Theatre.
- Gareth Fry was elected as Chairman.
- Paul Arditti was elected as Treasurer.
- Carolyn Downing was elected as Secretary.
- Steven Brown was elected as Board Member.
- Gregg Fisher was voted in as a Board Member on June 7th, 2011.
