Point Source Audio Announces Winner of "Your Story in Sound" Student Sound Design Contest

PETALUMA, Calif. - March 3, 2025 - PRLog -- Point Source Audio is proud to announce Brandon McDuff of Michigan State University as the winner of the inaugural "Your Story in Sound" Student Sound Design Contest. The contest, launched to promote and encourage emerging talent in theatre sound design, invited student designers to showcase their creativity and technical expertise for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to USITT 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

Brandon's submission, Stevie and the Real World, was selected from a competitive field of student entries for its innovative approach to sound storytelling, technical execution, and immersive audience experience.

A Standout Submission: "Stevie and the Real World"

Brandon's winning entry was his first production as an MFA Sound Designer at Michigan State University. The original two-act play, written as a capstone project, reflected all the challenges a professional sound designer would face, requiring Brandon to take on multiple roles, including composer, foley artist, programmer, engineer, system designer, music director, and studio engineer.

A defining moment in his sound design came at the Act 1 finale, when the characters fall into another dimension. Through a meticulously crafted soundscape, Brandon combined:

• Rumbling earth and heavy organ strikes to heighten tension
• A dramatic riser leading into an unsettling silence
• A whimsical, eerie soundscape built entirely from kazoo samples, fully surrounding the audience
• Stevie's Theme, featuring synthesized and percussive kazoo-based elements, which established the sonic identity of the show

His work seamlessly integrated with lighting, staging, and performance elements, demonstrating the power of sound in elevating live theatre storytelling.

Brandon McDuff to be Featured at USITT 2025

As the contest winner, Brandon will attend USITT 2025 for the first time, where he plans to explore the latest in theatre technology and connect with industry professionals.

Attendees can meet Brandon in person at Point Source Audio's Booth #928, where he will:

§  Share insights into his creative process

§  Discuss his approach to immersive theatre sound design

§  Engage with fellow sound professionals and students

Point Source Audio's Commitment to Theatre Sound

"At Point Source Audio, we are passionate about supporting the next generation of sound designers," said Yvonne Ho, Chief Marketing Officer and Co-founder of Point Source Audio. "Brandon's submission demonstrated an incredible ability to use sound as a storytelling force, and we are thrilled to showcase his work at USITT 2025."

Point Source Audio extends its best wishes to all the students who participated in this year's contest, recognizing their passion, creativity, and dedication to the art of sound design.
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