Who we are

The Association of Sound Designers 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 of Sound Designers 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 ASD 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 ASD 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 of Sound Designers 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.

The Association of Sound Designers' Board is elected annually. The first election took place on April 15th, 2011 at the Royal Court Theatre.