Technical Theatre · Birmingham

LouisHaywood

Sound designer and live audio engineer — Birmingham Ormiston Academy Stage & Screen. Mixing live shows, designing soundscapes, getting it right every night.

7
Years of experience
12+
Productions
5
NODA reviews
Shakespeare in Love · 2026
Louis Haywood
Sound Design · QLab 5 · Behringer X32 · Allen & Heath SQ7 · Yamaha Rivage PM · EOS ETC Lighting · Live Audio · Dante Networking · Follow Spot · Stage Management · Technical Theatre
Sound Design · QLab 5 · Behringer X32 · Allen & Heath SQ7 · Yamaha Rivage PM · EOS ETC Lighting · Live Audio · Dante Networking · Follow Spot · Stage Management · Technical Theatre
Latest Project
Shakespeare in Love — Sound Designer
Full soundscape design · time & location established soundscape · The Old Rep, Birmingham · Feb – Apr 2026
See Work
Specialisms
01

Sound & Audio

Behringer X32, Allen & Heath SQ7, QLab 5 — live mixing for events, musicals, and concert productions.

02

Lighting

EOS ETC systems — programming, cueing, and live operation for stage productions and events.

03

Backstage Ops

Technical theatre, rigging, show running, and real-time problem solving under pressure.


Certification

Dante Certification

Certified in Dante audio networking for professional AV environments.

Dante Certification
© 2026 Louis Haywood Technical Theatre

Enthusiastic and technically adept theatre technician with practical experience in sound design, live audio mixing and stage production. Detail-driven and creatively minded, committed to providing a consistently high standard of service.

I'm Louis — a BOA Stage & Screen Technical Theatre student in Year 12. My background spans both sides of the stage: I began performing in productions including Oklahoma!, Bugsy Malone and The Wizard of Oz before discovering my real passion lay in the technical craft behind every performance.

Since 2021 I've been leading audio for live productions — programming sound effects, balancing levels, supporting rehearsals and troubleshooting in real time. Skilled at operating industry-standard equipment and working collaboratively with production teams, I take pride in delivering high-quality theatrical experiences under pressure.

Proficient in QLab 5, Behringer X32 and Allen & Heath SQ7 — building cue stacks, managing inputs and outputs, live mixing multi-mic and band setups, and applying precise EQ and gain management. I thrive in pressurised live environments and bring strong problem-solving ability, close attention to detail and a self-motivated work ethic to every production.

Louis Haywood

Transferable Skills

Communication

Comfortable explaining ideas, giving direction, and working with different teams on and off stage.

Strong Teamwork

Used to collaborating with actors, directors, and tech crews to keep everything running smoothly.

Problem Solving

Able to think fast and sort issues during live shows or tight turnarounds.

Technical Ability

Deep understanding of modern computer systems and professional audio/lighting hardware.

Time Management

Always prepared, organised, and on schedule for rehearsals and events.

Creative

Able to shape ideas, adapt quickly, and bring fresh solutions when plans change.


Technical Expertise
Behringer X32Allen & Heath SQ7Yamaha Rivage PMQLab 5EOS ETC LightingLive Sound MixingSound DesignFollow Spot OperationEQ & Gain ManagementTroubleshootingStage RiggingShow RunningDante Networking
SpongeBob The Musical stage production at The Core Theatre, Solihull
PRG Longbridge industry visit
Stage production
© 2026 Louis Haywood Technical Theatre
SpongeBob The Musical
Sound Designer · QLab Operator
SpongeBob The Musical
SpongeBob The Musical
Sound Designer
SpongeBob The Musical
SpongeBob The Musical
Sound Designer
SpongeBob The Musical
SpongeBob The Musical
Sound Designer
SpongeBob The Musical
Live Band Performance
Sound Engineer
Live Band Performance
PRG Longbridge Visit
Industry Visit
PRG Longbridge
© 2026 Louis Haywood Technical Theatre

My theatre journey began on stage — these roles gave me the empathy to work alongside performers as a sound operator and technician.

Uncle Henry & The Guard

"The Wizard of Oz"

March 2024 · Artrix Theatre, Bromsgrove
Fat Sam (Semi-lead)

"Bugsy Malone"

March 2023 · The Core Theatre, Solihull
Jimmy

"Battle of Boat"

March 2022 · Core Theatre, Solihull
Ensemble

"Oklahoma!"

March 2020 · The Core Theatre
Ensemble

"Popstars' 90s Musical"

March 2019 · The Core Theatre
© 2026 Louis Haywood Technical Theatre

Personal Profile

Enthusiastic and technically adept theatre technician with practical experience in sound design, live audio mixing and stage production. Skilled in supporting live performances through precision, teamwork and problem solving under pressure. Adept at operating industry-standard equipment and working collaboratively with production teams to deliver high-quality theatrical experiences. Detail-driven and creatively minded, committed to providing a consistently high standard of service.

Skills

Time Management

Strong ability to prioritise tasks and stay organised across rehearsals, productions and tight turnarounds.

Problem Solving

Able to diagnose and resolve technical issues quickly, even under pressure during live performances.

Attention to Detail

Precise and accurate in all technical work — from cue programming to gain structure and safety checks.

Communication

Comfortable engaging with directors, cast and crew; builds strong working relationships on and off stage.

Adaptability

Able to take direction, follow procedures and respond confidently in pressurised live environments.

Creative & Technical

Fresh ideas combined with a strong grounding in systems and technology — independent, loyal and hard working.

Technical Experience
6 May 2026

Yamaha Rivage Training Day — 22live, Redditch

  • Full-day industry training led by Yamaha's expert team at 22live HQ.
  • Hands-on demos of Yamaha's flagship Rivage PM consoles.
  • Covered networking basics, system integration & workflows.
  • Real-world tips for professional touring and live events use.
Feb – Apr 2026

Sound Designer — Shakespeare in Love, The BOA Group

  • Designed the soundscape for the production.
  • Created a time and location established soundscape.
  • Liaised with the director to perfect the design.
Feb 2026

Sound Designer & QLab Operator — SpongeBob, The Core Theatre Solihull

  • Took notes during rehearsals to brief the technical team effectively.
  • Managed QLab for all rehearsals and shows, covering all sound effects.
  • Led as sound designer, taking responsibility for the overall soundscape.
  • Worked closely with the stage management team.
Jan – Feb 2026

Sound Technician — FAME, John Henry Newman Catholic College

  • Live mixing across all rehearsals and performances.
  • Mic'd performers and carried out sound and quality checks.
  • Managed QLab for sound cues throughout the run.
Nov – Dec 2025

QLab Swing & Follow Spot — Cinderella, The Old Rep

  • Provided technical cover, stepping in as QLab Operator and Follow Spot.
  • Responded directly to cues from stage management.
Feb 2025

Sound Designer & Technician — Zombie Prom, Alderbrook School

  • Designed the production's soundscape end-to-end.
  • Live mixed 12 microphones plus a live band of 10 instruments.
  • Conducted sound checks and quality control prior to each performance.
Sep 2020 – Jun 2025

Stage Crew — Alderbrook School

  • Led technical setup and sound design for school productions.
  • Mixed live audio for We Will Rock You, Grease, The Wizard of Oz, High School Musical.
  • Collaborated with teams to ensure seamless show execution.
Education
Sep 2025 – Present

Birmingham Ormiston Academy — Stage & Screen

Level 3 in Technical Theatre and Live Events.

Sep 2020 – Jun 2025

Alderbrook School

GCSE Grade 4 — Drama (sound design) · GCSE Grade 4 — Photography · Level 2 Distinction — iMedia

Theatre Technical Skills
Behringer X32Allen & Heath SQ7Yamaha Rivage PMQLab 5CaptureEOS ETC LightingLive Sound MixingSound DesignMicrophone ManagementFollow Spot OperationStage Management CommsDante Networking
IT Systems
WordExcelPowerPointGoogle WorkspaceBlenderVisual Studio CodeWindowsmacOSLinux

References

Available upon request.

© 2026 Louis Haywood Technical Theatre

Independent show reviews from the National Operatic and Dramatic Association — the UK's largest amateur theatre organisation.

Uncle Henry2 Mar 2024
★ Named in review

The Wizard of Oz

Sosage Factory · The Artrix, Bromsgrove
"Great support also came from Halle Kwarteng and Louis Haywood as Aunt Em and Uncle Henry."

"The entire company worked well together with some lovely singing and acting."
Read Full Report →
Fat Sam4 Mar 2023
★ Named in review

Bugsy Malone

Sosage Factory · The Core Theatre, Solihull
"The battle between Fat Sam (Louis Haywood) and Dandy Dan's gang was excellent."

"Our future is secure with this society full of talented members."
Read Full Report →
Sound Technician22 Feb 2025

Zombie Prom

Sosage Factory · Alderbrook School, Solihull
"The singing both principals and chorus could be heard."

"Congratulations to the cast and crew… the very talented members of SOSage Factory did it proud."
Read Full Report →
Sound Technician28 Feb 2026

SpongeBob The Musical

Sosage Factory · The Core Theatre, Solihull
Read Full Report →
Sound Technician6 Jul 2025

Sosage Does It Again

Sosage Factory · Village Hall, Knowle
"The sound was good and not too loud so that every word could be heard."

"Another sell out performance from this group of very talented young people."
Read Full Report →
Cast — Jimmy5 Mar 2022

The Battle of the Boat

Sosage Factory · Core Theatre, Solihull
"The remaining cast and chorus gave their all in this wonderful production."

"Two hours of emotive drama that was heart-warming, funny and really entertaining."
Read Full Report →
© 2026 Louis Haywood Technical Theatre
Currently available

Whether it's a production, work placement, freelance opportunity, or just a conversation about sound and technical theatre — I'd love to hear from you.

Email
Based in
West Midlands, UK
Available for regional & touring work.
Open to
Theatre productions · Live events
Assistant technical roles · Work placements