LDI 2018 Speaker Spotlight: Jonathan Deans, Sound Designer

As we gear up for the LDI Show, we’re profiling speakers in our Sound Tracks series of panels aimed at live sound engineers. This week we’re pleased to introduce you to keynote speaker Jonathan Deans, who will be discussing the state of sound design.

Award-winning sound designer Jonathan Deans began his career in his native England and has been living and working in the U.S. for several decades. In addition to myriad productions on Broadway, Jonathan has designed 14 shows for Cirque du Soleil, including Michael Jackson’s ONE, LOVE, Ovo, Elvis, Believe, Corteo, Kooza, Wintuk, KA, Zumanity, La Nouba, O, Mystère, and Saltimbanco

His sound design work also includes: Jagged Little Pill, Red Velvet, Waitress, A Second Chance, Finding Neverland, Kiss me Kate (revival), Pippin (revival), Carrie (revival), La Cage Aux Folles (revival), Fosse, Parade, Ragtime, and others.

Sarah Jones: What was your first theatre sound gig?

Jonathan Deans: As a sound operator, it was the play Absurd Person Singular at Criterion Theater, West End. As a designer, it was Marilyn at the Adelphi Theater, West End. Before that, I was a child actor from the age of twelve.

SJ: What has most influenced the way you think about sound?

JD: It was working at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden when I heard and felt the music envelop me when sitting in the Gallery and upper sides of the Opera House.

SJ: What kind of technology is having the biggest impact on the way engineers in your field work right now?

JD: I don’t find that technology creates the impact; it’s the individuals who put the performances together that make the unique experience.

SJ: What can attendees expect to learn about in your keynote? 

JD: To be individual and to wake up in the mornings feeling happy to go to work.

SJ: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

JD: To follow your own instinct and listen with your heart. Also, be reliable, punctual, respectful, and honest.

SJ: How about the worst?

JD: Do not become blindsided by individuals of fame and fortune, but instead listen to yourself. Also, be respectful and honest.

SJ: What are you most excited to check out at LDI?

JD: The students and attendees who are or will be driving the industry. 

The 30th annual LDI Show takes place October 15-21 in Las Vegas.

Sarah Jones is a writer, editor, and content producer with more than 20 years' experience in pro audio, including as editor-in-chief of three leading audio magazines: MixEQ, and Electronic Musician. She is a lifelong musician and committed to arts advocacy and learning, including acting as education chair of the San Francisco chapter of the Recording Academy, where she helps develop event programming that cultivates the careers of Bay Area music makers.