Klangregie

Klangregie refers to the planning and realization of the sonic dimension in a performance or media production, primarily within German-speaking theatre, opera, film, radio, and multimedia. The term combines Klang (sound) and Regie (direction or management) and denotes the role or function responsible for shaping how sound—its music, effects, and ambience—contributes to a work’s meaning and emotional impact. In many productions the function is equivalent to the English term sound design or audio direction, though it can also denote the live management of sound during performances.

Responsibilities: The Klangregie collaborates with the director, stage designer, and composer to develop a sonic concept, creates or selects music and sound effects, designs the overall soundscape, and defines where and when each cue will occur. In live theatre, the Klangregie operator runs sound playback, live mixing, and amplification, and adapts the sound during rehearsals and performances. In film or radio, the term may refer more to post-production sound design and supervision.

Workflow: concept meetings, cue-list creation, sound plotting, rehearsal integration, tech week adjustments, ongoing performance oversight. Equipment includes mixing consoles, playback devices, microphones, and speakers; expertise in acoustics, signal routing, and synchronization is essential.

Qualifications: formal training in audio engineering, music, or theatre studies; experience with sound synthesis, editing, and either live or studio playback; ability to collaborate across creative departments.

The exact duties and titles vary by country, venue, and production.