I'm Clayton Dryden, a sound designer and composer based in Chicago, Illinois. I create immersive audio for games, animation, film, and live productions, blending musicality with sound design to elevate every experience. I thrive in collaborative environments, stay curious about new tools, and love helping teammates solve problems and bring bold ideas to life.…

Clayton Dryden

PRO

I'm Clayton Dryden, a sound designer and composer based in Chicago, Illinois. I create immersive audio for games, animation, film, and live productions, blending musicality with sound design to elevate every experience. I thrive in collaborative environments, stay curious about new tools, and love helping teammates solve problems and bring bold ideas to life.…

Available to hire

I’m Clayton Dryden, a sound designer and composer based in Chicago, Illinois. I create immersive audio for games, animation, film, and live productions, blending musicality with sound design to elevate every experience.

I thrive in collaborative environments, stay curious about new tools, and love helping teammates solve problems and bring bold ideas to life.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Production Assistant at Hancher Auditorium
January 1, 2021 - September 26, 2025
Directed and delegated stagehands for setup/teardown of sound, lighting, and performance equipment; shadowed and operated sound, lights, and stage management; maintained and repaired state-of-the-art facilities.
Software Support Specialist at Leepfrog Technologies
January 1, 2024 - September 26, 2025
Diagnosed issues, developed fixes, and configured custom client software on student and faculty-facing websites; multitasked requests from 40+ clients to meet time-sensitive ticket needs.
Information Technology Support Analyst at University of Iowa
January 1, 2021 - September 26, 2025
Self-directed deployment and retrieval of University property: computers, equipment, workstations.
Technical Support Specialist at Leepfrog Technologies LLC
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2024
Triaging, ticketing, and resolving issues and configuration requests for custom web software used at universities and colleges. Diagnosing issues, managing data tables, adjusting or finding broken code, writing detailed steps for development team to bugfix, QA testing fixes
Production Assistant at Hancher Auditorium
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2021
Running sound, lights, and stagehand operations for shows. Organizing and coordinating stagehands to set up and tear down facilities at performers’ requests. Maintaining, repairing, and cleaning equipment and grounds. Attending to talent and crew needs, anticipating issues and requests before they are needed
Information Technology Support Analyst at University of Iowa
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2021
Self-directed deployment and retrieval of University property: computers, equipment, workstations. Documenting surplus shipments and removals, handling and removing sensitive data before destruction or re-deploying machines

Education

M.A., Sound Arts and Industries at Northwestern University
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
B.A., Communication Studies at University of Iowa
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2021
B.A., Music at University of Iowa
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2021

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Gaming, Software & Internet, Professional Services