On a recent episode of Hear Us Out, we sat down with one of the most exciting creative forces working in theatre today: Adam Fisher, the acclaimed and Tony-nominated sound designer whose work has shaped some of Broadway’s most immersive storytelling.
Whether you’ve experienced his soundscapes live on stage or are just curious how theater’s most invisible artistry works, this episode pulls back the curtain on a craft that audiences feel long before they consciously notice it.
From Stagecraft to Storycraft: Adam’s Path into Sound Design
Adam shares the surprising story of how he found his way into sound design—part engineering, part music, part psychology, and part pure magic. What started as a fascination with how sound affects emotion turned into a career designing entire sonic environments that guide audience attention, heighten drama, and bring productions to life.
In the episode, he talks about:
How he approaches designing sound for a brand-new show
Why silence can be just as powerful as sound
The difference between “hearing” and “feeling” a moment
What he wishes more people understood about his craft
Inside a Tony-Nominated Mind
Being nominated for a Tony Award is no small feat. Adam walks us through the design process that earned him that recognition—how he builds a world from scratch, collaborates with directors and composers, and listens differently than the rest of us.
He shares behind-the-scenes stories from productions that pushed him creatively, moments when everything clicked, and moments when sound design became the unexpected hero of a show.
Why Sound Design Matters More Than You Think
For many theatergoers, sound design is the element they don’t consciously think about—but would immediately miss if it weren’t there. Adam breaks down the delicate balance of making sound both invisible and essential:
Crafting transitions that the audience doesn’t even realize shaped the pacing
Building tension through barely-audible layers
Using environmental sound to make a set feel alive
Designing clarity for dialogue without losing emotion
By the time you finish listening, you’ll never experience live theater the same way again.
The Gear, The Tech, and The Art
Adam also dives into the evolving world of theater technology—from digital consoles to immersive audio systems—and how innovation is opening new creative possibilities.
But the heart of his craft remains the same: telling stories through sound.