Theatre sound design & operation
Complete sound responsibility from the first production conversation to the final performance. Creative design, system planning, programming and live Sound No. 1 operation are handled as one joined-up process.
Colin Dancer-Dixon, Sound Designer & Sound No. 1
Sound design
that serves
the story.
Dancer-Dixon Sound provides creative sound design, detailed preparation and assured live operation for community and independent productions across the UK.
Colin Dancer-Dixon
Freelance enquiries
Theatre sound design & operation
Based in Cambridgeshire, working UK-wide
Community & independent productions
SND Q01Services
Creative decisions.
Technical control.
Sound design and operation sit at the heart of every project. From first rehearsal to final cue, every creative and technical decision is made to deliver clarity, impact and control in performance.
Production & technical support
Practical support for rehearsals, fit-ups, technical periods and performance runs, backed by clear plans and dependable communication.
Live events & concerts
Sound delivery for concerts, community events and one-off performances, from system setup and soundcheck through to live operation.
Sound engineering
Live mixing, gain structure, radio microphone planning and system setup with a clear focus on intelligibility, balance and consistency.
SND Q02Current productions
In production.
Current designs in preparation for Sharnbrook Mill Theatre, with responsibility from technical planning through to live operation.
8 to 12 Dec 2026
Sharnbrook Mill Theatre
Come From Away
Sound Designer & Sound No. 1A fast-moving ensemble musical where every word matters. The design brings cast voices and the live band together with precision, using a carefully programmed Yamaha DM7, robust wireless microphone planning and individual musician monitoring to create a clear, controlled and consistent performance.
29 to 31 Oct 2026
Sharnbrook Mill Theatre
Matilda Jr
Sound Designer & Sound No. 1A high-energy youth musical built around clarity, pace and confident microphone changes. QLab playback, detailed radio microphone planning and a structured cue workflow support the cast while keeping every performance consistent and straightforward to operate.
SND Q03Work in practice
Planning. Programming.
Performance.
A closer look at the preparation behind the performance, from cue books and microphone planning to system setup, RF management and live operation.
SND Q04Process
Prepared before the first technical rehearsal.
Good sound starts well before opening night. Each stage is planned, documented and communicated so the technical period can focus on the show.
Listen
Understand the story, the director's priorities, the venue and the production resources.
Design
Turn the brief into a practical system, input, playback, microphone and monitoring plan.
Prepare
Build the show file, cue structure and paperwork before the technical period begins.
Deliver
Fit up, test, rehearse and operate with the same care at every performance.
SND Q05About
Colin Dancer-Dixon
Calm delivery.
Careful preparation.
I am a freelance theatre sound designer and operator based in Cambridgeshire, working with community and independent productions across the UK.
My approach combines creative listening with detailed technical preparation. I work closely with directors, musical directors, stage management, cast and musicians to create a design that is practical, achievable and consistent throughout the run.
Recent professional development includes Mixing for Musicals at Orbital Sound in London, with hands-on experience across Yamaha, Allen & Heath, QLab and wireless microphone workflows.
My Fair Lady
Shakers Re-stirred
Grease
9 to 5
Annie
SND Q06Contact
Let's talk about
your production.
Share the production, venue, dates and support required. I will respond with an initial assessment and the right next step.