LouisHaywood
Sound designer and live audio engineer — Birmingham Ormiston Academy Stage & Screen. Mixing live shows, designing soundscapes, getting it right every night.
Sound & Audio
Behringer X32, Allen & Heath SQ7, QLab 5 — live mixing for events, musicals, and concert productions.
Lighting
EOS ETC systems — programming, cueing, and live operation for stage productions and events.
Backstage Ops
Technical theatre, rigging, show running, and real-time problem solving under pressure.
Dante Certification
Certified in Dante audio networking for professional AV environments.
About Me
Technical Theatre student specialising in sound design — moving from stage to desk, and loving every second of it.
I'm Louis, a BOA Stage & Screen Technical Theatre student in Year 12. My theatre journey began on stage, performing in productions such as Popstars' 90s Musical (2019), Oklahoma! (2020), Battle of Boat (2022), Bugsy Malone (2023), and The Wizard of Oz (2024). Over time I discovered my passion lay behind the scenes — especially in sound.
In 2025 I moved fully into sound with SOSage and Cookie Theatre Company, leading audio for live performances: programming and running sound effects, balancing levels, supporting rehearsals, and troubleshooting in real time.
Alongside this, I've built more than four years of experience at Alderbrook School, working extensively with the Behringer X32 digital sound desk. I've mixed live audio for We Will Rock You, Grease, The Wizard of Oz, High School Musical, and National Theatre Connections at the Royal & Derngate, Northampton.
Proficient in QLab 5 — building and running cue stacks, triggering effects, and synchronising sound with other technical elements, including managing inputs and outputs, EQ, and solving problems under pressure.
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.
Portfolio
Performance Experience
My theatre journey began on stage — these roles gave me the empathy to work alongside performers as a sound operator and technician.
"The Wizard of Oz"
"Bugsy Malone"
"Battle of Boat"
"Oklahoma!"
"Popstars' 90s Musical"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Birmingham Ormiston Academy — Stage & Screen
Level 3 in Technical Theatre and Live Events.
Alderbrook School
GCSE Grade 4 — Drama (sound design) · GCSE Grade 4 — Photography · Level 2 Distinction — iMedia
References
Available upon request.
NODA Reports
Independent show reviews from the National Operatic and Dramatic Association — the UK's largest amateur theatre organisation.
The Wizard of Oz
"The entire company worked well together with some lovely singing and acting."
Bugsy Malone
"Our future is secure with this society full of talented members."
Zombie Prom
"Congratulations to the cast and crew… the very talented members of SOSage Factory did it proud."
Sosage Does It Again
"Another sell out performance from this group of very talented young people."
The Battle of the Boat
"Two hours of emotive drama that was heart-warming, funny and really entertaining."
Let's work together.
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.
Available for regional & touring work.
Assistant technical roles · Work placements