PD

Phillip D. Owen

Available to hire

Hello! I am Phillip D.

About

Hello! I am Phillip D. Owen, a sound designer and educator who thrives on turning creative ideas into immersive sonic experiences for stage and screen. My work blends hands-on design with teaching, mentoring, and collaborating across departments to foster bold, responsive productions. When I’m not in the theatre, I freelance to stay connected with the evolving craft of sound design, composition, and live performance.

From Yale Cabaret to regional theatres and university stages, I’ve built a practice that values storytelling through sound, rigorous craft, and open dialogue with designers, directors, and actors. I’m passionate about mentoring the next generation of designers and continuing to explore music-centred approaches to theatre.

  • 27 years' experience
  • Joined July 2025

Languages

  • EnglishFluent
  • GermanIntermediate

Industry experience

  • Media & Entertainment
  • Education
  • Professional Services
  • Non-Profit Organization
  • Other

More experts in Austin, United States

Work experience· 13 roles

Assistant Professor of Practice in Sound Design · University of Texas at AustinAug 2025 – Present · 1 yr 4 mos

Create curriculum for Sound Design program; Teach courses in Sound Design & Technology; Mentor and advise student designers; Stay relevant as a faculty member by working as a freelance designer

Sound Designer · ZACH TheatreMar 2022 – Jul 2025 · 3 yrs 5 mos

Designed, selected and located all audio needs for the production; prepared the sound plot; set up all sound needs for rehearsals including recording sound cues and singers for click tracks and live mixing. Participated in design and production meetings as required by the Director of Production. Attended Designer Run, all Technical Rehearsals, and Previews through the production's run, including tech note sessions.

Lecturer in Sound Design · University of Texas at AustinSep 2021 – Present · 5 yrs 3 mos

Create curriculum for Sound Design program, teach courses in Sound Design & Technology, mentor and advise student designers, and stay relevant as a faculty member by working as a freelance designer.

Lecturer in Sound Design · Texas State University, San Marcos, TXAug 2021 – Jul 2025 · 4 yrs
Lecturer in Sound Design · Texas State UniversityAug 2014 – Aug 2021 · 7 yrs 1 mo
Lead Sound Engineer · Alley Theatre, Houston, TXJul 2014 – Jul 2025 · 11 yrs 1 mo
Lead Sound Engineer · Alley TheatreSep 2009 – Jul 2014 · 4 yrs 11 mos
Production Assistant · Mary Moody Northen Theatre, St. Edward’s University, Austin, TXJul 2006 – Jul 2025 · 19 yrs 1 mo

Education· 6

Master of Fine Arts · Yale School of Drama, Yale University2007 – 2009
Master of Philosophy · Trinity College Dublin1998
Bachelor of Arts · Texas Tech University1994
Master of Fine Arts, Sound Design · Yale School of Drama, Yale University2030 – 2009

Certifications and awards· 8

Leadership Austin, Emerge Class2019
Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association (TSDCA), member2016
Fiona Shaw, Dr. D. Mason OBE and Denise Suttor Prize in Sound Design, Yale School of Drama2009
Fulbright Scholarship, Berlin1994 – 1995

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