April 15, 2025

112. Sound Design for Theater with Jessica Paz

56 minutes

Ever wondered what it takes to become a sound designer? In this episode, Jennifer chats with Tony Award-winning sound designer Jessica Paz to demystify the path into sound design and offer a behind-the-scenes look at what the job entails. From breaking down the different jobs within the world of sound to discussing the gear that is helpful to know, Jessica shares the nitty-gritty of how she got started, what tools she uses, and how to approach learning for this part of the industry. Together they talk about advocating for yourself in a male-dominated space and how collaboration is at the heart of good design. They share advice on how to build relationships with other creatives, tips for working in various houses, and why staying curious and asking questions is essential. Whether you’re an aspiring sound designer, or simply fascinated by how theater comes to life through audio, this episode offers actionable tools, insider knowledge, and empowering insights to help you step into—and thrive in—the dynamic world of sound design.

About Jessica: Jessica Paz is a multi award winning Sound Designer. She has collaborated on the Broadway productions of HADESTOWN (TONY and Drama Desk Award, Best Sound Design of a Musical); A BEAUTIFUL NOISE; DEAR EVAN HANSEN; BANDSTAND; DISASTER! THE MUSICAL; THE ASSEMBLED PARTIES; and FELA! (TONY award, Best Sound Design of a Musical)

Off Broadway/Regional Sound Designs include LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Westside Theater). TWELFTH NIGHT, OTHELLO; MISS YOU LIKE HELL; JULIUS CAESAR; A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, and AS YOU LIKE IT (The Public Theater); UGLY LIES THE BONE (Roundabout); A SUCKER EMCEE, and THE MUSCLES IN OUR TOES (LAByrinth); THE KING’S WHORE (Starcatcher Productions); BECOMING DR. RUTH (Westside Theater); LOOKING FOR THE PONY (Vital Theater Co.); WOMEN BEWARE WOMEN (Red Bull Theater); STRETCH – A FANTASIA (New Georges). Regional credits include WATER FOR ELEPHANTS (Alliance Theater; SUZI Award); KISS MY AZTEC (Berkeley Rep, CT Critics Circle Award); BURN ALL NIGHT (A.R.T Oberon Stage); WELCOME TO FEAR CITY (KC Rep); SCOTT & HEM IN THE GARDEN OF ALLAH; and SEE HOW THEY RUN (Barrington Stage); LEGALLY BLONDE, and 9 TO 5 (North Shore Music Theater); ROMEO & JULIET, MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, OTHELLO, and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Shakespeare on the Sound); SCKBSTD (Virginia Stage Co) ; VOLCANOES BIRTHRIGHT (Organic Magnetics); TEMP ODYSSEY, HER HAIR WENT WITH HER, BOOKENDS, and MINSTREL SHOW (NJ Rep). A proud member of IATSE Local 829; and Co-Chair of the board of the Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association (TSDCA).