Music & Sound for Theatre
Available across Bengaluru
I create and perform original music and soundscapes for theatre, working with directors and actors to make sound a key part of the story.
Pricing Guide
Atmospheric Sound Design & Tech
Scope & Design
- Script Spotting: Detailed sessions to identify emotional beats and cue points.
- Audio Library: Creation of bespoke Foley, atmospheric drones, and abstract non melodic textures.
- Technical Integration: Organization of audio files into QLab or sequential WAVs.
On Site Execution
- Tech Week Support: Presence during Dry Tech and Dress Rehearsals (approx. 3 days) to fine tune levels and timing.
- Revisions: Up to 2 rounds of changes to textures based on rehearsal feedback.
- Equipment: Use of personal DAW for creation (venue provides PA).
Original Background Score Composition
Composition
- Thematic Writing: Original themes for Opening, Interval, and Curtain Call plus internal underscores (approx. 20 to 30 mins).
- Instrumentation: Signature acoustic/electric guitar, slide guitar, and vocals with programmed backing.
- Style: Versatile composition ranging from Western Folk/Blues to culturally rooted textures.
Studio Production
- Recording & Mixing: Professional home studio recording and mixing.
- Theatre Mastering: Optimization of tracks for large acoustic spaces rather than standard headphone output.
- Rights: License for the theatre group to use the music for the agreed run of shows.
Live On Stage Musical Performance
Preparation
- Full Composition: Creation of the complete musical score as per the production needs.
- Actor Integration: Attendance at up to 10 rehearsals to synchronize music with dialogue and movement.
- Tech Week: Full integration during technical rehearsals to lock in the performance flow.
Live Execution
- Performance: Live on stage musician (Guitar, Vocals) for a standard opening run (approx. 3 to 5 shows).
- Improvisation: Ability to alter tempo or mood live based on audience reaction.
- Logistics: Includes transport of personal instruments, amplifiers, and daily sound checks.
About Music & Sound for Theatre
What I Do
Music and sound aren’t just background for me - they shape the whole vibe of a play. I treat sound as another actor on stage, making sure the audience feels something before anyone even says a word. Whether it’s tense, moody, or just plain weird, I’m always chasing the right feeling for each story.
How I Work with Theatre
- I design ambient soundscapes for drama, building worlds that actors can step into
- Write and perform original score for stage plays, drawing on blues, folk, and fusion
- Sometimes, I’m right there playing live music performance in theatre, syncing with the cast and reacting in the moment
Projects That Stuck With Me
- Played live and released an album for GRETEL, where music was central to the whole show
- Composed and performed for Bali: The Sacrifice, including co-composing a Kannada title track for the original
- Did raw, intense sound design for MEDEA, aiming to match the performance’s energy
The Process
Usually, it all starts with a chat, figuring out what the story really needs. I like to jam with directors and actors to get the pulse of the production. Based in Bangalore, and honestly, the theatre crowd here keeps things interesting. No two gigs are the same - and that’s half the fun.
Meet your Expert
Ananth Menon
18 connects in last 3 months
My Story
Eric Clapton’s Unplugged, that’s where it all kicked off for me. Bass in Chronic Blues Circus, guitar with Galeej Gurus—those days were wild. But I keep coming back to blues and rock, pouring my own stories into The RubberBiscuit Project and jamming with my Quartet. Oorga with Vedanth and Bindhu? That’s sufi, folk, blues, even Kabir’s poetry—who knew it’d fit! Music feels like chatting with old friends, you know?
My Work
Solo & Band Performances - I play solo acoustic sets and full band gigs—The Ananth Menon Quartet or The RubberBiscuit Project.
Tribute Nights & Classic Covers - We celebrate legends—Eric Clapton, Eagles, Simon & Garfunkel, CCR—with raw, classic rock covers.
Sufi Folk Blues Fusion - With Oorga, we blend sufi, folk, and blues—Kabir meets delta blues acoustic set. It’s something else.
Music Composition & Theatre Sound Design - I compose original music and create soundscapes for plays—like ‘Medea’ and ‘Bali: The Sacrifice’.