Sound for Outdoor Arts

A three day, hands‑on residential workshop for practitioners working in — or moving into — outdoor arts who want to use develop a practical understanding of how to use sound for outdoor performance and installation. Led by Thor McIntyre Burnie, one of the most experienced sound designers in the outdoor arts sector.

You’ll build a solid understanding of how sound functions across outdoor formats: small‑scale shows, walkabout, processions, site‑specific and immersive work, and larger spectacle. We’ll cover the core principles of outdoor sound design, tried‑and‑tested techniques, and how to make the right equipment choices for different contexts.

Alongside technical know‑how, we’ll explore how sound can be used to shape audience experience, create meaning and create sense of place. Through focussing on case studies of outdoor shows and using practical exercises, we’ll keep everything grounded in real world artistic examples and demystify any technical jargon.

Who is it for?

This workshop is designed for practitioners, directors, producers and creatives who want to integrate sound more effectively into their work. It’s not aimed at established sound designers or engineers — though if your background is mainly in sound content creation, you’ll also find it valuable in supporting how you might deliver that content outdoors.