Who we are

The Association for Sound Design and Production represents the interests of sound designers and others working and studying in the UK theatre sound industry. Our function is to connect the widely dispersed sound design community, to educate and promote high standards.

The Association for Sound Design and Production advocates for a diverse and inclusive theatre sound community, in which all members, regardless of race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, mental health, nationality, language, religion, belief, or socioeconomic background can work with dignity and in safety.

All ASDP members are expected to take responsibility for creating inclusive, productive working environments that are positive and supportive. As theatre sound professionals, we also have a responsibility to raise concerns we may have about unsafe working experiences and to stand up for others in vulnerable positions, where appropriate and possible.

The ASDP is committed to support and empower its members to work freely and creatively,in environments in which everyone can be themselves, respected, valued, and feel that their voices are heard.

The Association for Sound Design and Production is a registered charity in the UK, Registered Charity No.1165633.

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.

NAME CHANGE PROCESS 2023

In 2022, the association began exploring a name change. The aim being to create an association more inclusive of all of those who work in the Theatre Sound Industry. This process was overseen by the board, with a name change working group holding regular meetings, a membership survey to help better understand the demographics of the membership and a final vote allowing members to both decide if they wanted a name change, and what their preferred option would be.

In October 2023 this vote was completed and the membership chose to change the name of the association to The Association for Sound Design and Production.

The Association for Sound Design and Production's Board is elected annually. 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.

On August 31st, 2012 the results of our second election gave us an expanded board of

Gareth Fry (Chair)
Paul Arditti (Treasurer)
Carolyn Downing (Secretary)
Dominic Bilkey
Steven Brown
Gregg Fisher
Theo Holloway
John Leonard
Tom Lishman
Adam McCready
Gareth Owen
Rich Walsh

On Sunday 7th July 2013, Steve Brown passed away - a memorial page exists here

At our AGM on December 12th, 2013 our board was confirmed as:

Gareth Fry (Chair)
Paul Arditti
Dom Bilkey
Seb Frost
David Gregory
Karen Lauke
Adam McCready
Gareth Owen
Adrienne Quartly
Tom Lishman
Rich Walsh
Phil Wright

At our election on September 28th, 2015 our board was confirmed as:

Gareth Fry (Chair)
Paul Arditti
Dom Bilkey
Seb Frost
David Gregory
Karen Lauke
Gareth Owen
Tom Lishman
Ben Milton
Donato Wharton
Phil Wright

On the 18th February 2016 the ASD became a registered charity, No. 1165633, operating as a CIO,

At our election on June 10th, 2017 our board was elected as:

Gareth Fry (Chair)
Paul Arditti
Dom Bilkey
Gareth Owen
Donato Wharton
Phil Wright

At our AGM on January 27th, 2018 our board was elected as:

Dom Bilkey (Chair)
Donato Wharton (Treasurer)
Bryony Blackler
Gareth Owen
Melanie Wilson
Phil Wright

At our AGM on January 11th, 2019 our board was elected as:

Dom Bilkey (Chair)
Donato Wharton (Treasurer)
Bryony Blackler
Lewis Gibson
Melanie Wilson
Phil Wright

At our AGM on June 16th, 2020 our board was elected as:

Dom Bilkey (Chair)
Lewis Gibson (Treasurer)
Rob Bettle
Bryony Blackler
Melanie Wilson
Phil Wright

At our AGM on April 30th, 2021 our board was elected as:

Melanie Wilson (Chair)
Lewis Gibson (Treasurer)
Rob Bettle
Bryony Blackler
Vicki Hill
Sam Vincent

At our AGM on January 6th, 2022 our board was elected as:

Melanie Wilson (Chair)
Lewis Gibson (Treasurer)
Vicki Hill
Sam Vincent
Rosie Stroud
Peter Rice

At our AGM on January 4th, 2023 our board was elected as:

Melanie Wilson (Chair)
Lewis Gibson (Treasurer)
Peter Rice (co chair)
Sam Vincent
Vicki Hill
Rosie Stroud
Ella Wahlström
Clare Hibberd

In the Winter of 2023, the Association voted to change the name to the Association for Sound Design and Production, after an 18 month consultation period, including surveys, votes and a working group.

At our AGM on January 12th, 2024 our board was elected as: