How Sound Design Brings Characters to Life
Have you ever stopped to think about how much a single sound—or even the tone of a voice—shapes how we feel about a character? I always notice the sounds of the film–the soft purr of a Disney heroine and the Lion in the film of Wizard of Oz. The booming laugh of a villain, or the rustle of footsteps echoing down a hallway, help me to become more engaged in the story. Sound gives life and depth to a story long before we see the full picture. That’s the essence of how sound design brings characters to life—it transforms simple motion and dialogue into emotion, personality, and atmosphere.
Recently, I came across a short reel from SoundWorks Collection, a platform that profiles the incredible artists who create the sound worlds we all love. This reel features Disney’s sound team, showing just how much care goes into every whisper, creak, and splash. You can view it here.
The Power of the Voice
When I was a child, I discovered I had a talent for creating character voices. I could imitate voices I heard in movies and television. I remember when I saw the movie, The Music Man, I walked around for days afterward quoting the mayor’s daughter, “E Gods!” Needless to say, my mother wasn’t always fond of the characters I quoted. From watching the television show, Hogan’s Heroes for years, I couldn’t resist mimicking the German guard’s line, “I see nothing!”—always said with an over-the-top German accent that made everyone laugh.
Usually, when I create a character for a play or musical, I include developing a voice for the character. When I stepped into the role of Mother Goose in Babes in Toyland, I imagined her as a quirky, chatty old bird. Consequently, I gave her a lisp and a nasally twang—and it brought down the house! (There again, I’m obviously wanting the audience’s reaction.)
When teaching acting, I remind my students that their voice is their most flexible instrument. Through tone, rhythm, and volume, they can communicate emotion, personality, and intent. The biggest challenge is getting students to try using a voice. Particular vocal exercises will help them bridge that gap and become more confident.
A Drama Exercise in Vocal and Physical Expression
One of my favorite exercises to use for this particular focus is Close the door.
Directions:
Have the class stand in a circle facing inward.
Say to the students:
“Today we’re going to explore using our voices and bodies to express meaning. You’ll say the line ‘Close the door.’ in any way you wish — but you cannot change the words. You may add a gesture, whisper, laugh, use an accent, change your tempo or pitch — anything you like — as long as you keep the same words.”
Each student will demonstrate their version of the line to the person on their right. That partner will then imitate the delivery as closely as possible, matching the voice, tone, and movement.
After imitating, the partner will perform the line in their own unique way, showing how they want to express it.
After each pair performs, we’ll give them a round of applause. The applause isn’t for judging the performance — it’s to celebrate their creativity and willingness to try something new.
Why is this exercise always successful? Because it levels the playing field. Everyone creates a character, everyone imitates and everyone says this one non-threatening line.
When the Voice Is the Character
Animated films and radio theater do this beautifully—without facial expressions or physical movement, the performer must convey everything through voice alone. An excellent example of a character voice is Julie Kavner’s Mage Simpson. Check her out here: Voice Evolution of Mage Simson. Characters such as Genie in Aladdin or Olaf in Frozen or Miss Trunchbull in Matilda demonstrate using their vocal energy as part of their personality.
Sound Design Completes the Picture
But there’s another star we don’t always notice: the sound designer. If you’d like to learn more about Addison Teague, an Oscar winning designer my husband and I know personally, check out: There’s a Place for Everyone in Theater Hear his most recent designs, check out Tron: Ares.
Sound designers are the invisible magicians who build the world around the actors’ voices. Every drip of water, swish of fabric, and gust of wind is chosen and layered with purpose. It’s not just background—it’s storytelling.
That’s why I love sharing short behind-the-scenes features like this SoundWorks Collection reel. When students hear the isolated sounds of footsteps, wind, or waves, they begin to understand how sound supports emotion.
Classroom Idea: Sound Design Reflection Worksheet
To help your students think like sound designers, I’ve created a Sound Design Reflection Worksheet you can download and use for free. It’s perfect for middle or high school drama or film units. You can pick it up here: Sound_Design_Reflection_Sheet_Dramamommaspeaks You can use it with this clip I’ve provided above or any that you choose.
Voice acting and sound design are two sides of the same creative coin. Both shape how we experience stories, and both remind us that performance isn’t just about what we see—it’s about what we hear.
Whether your students are voicing characters, creating foley effects, or reflecting on how sound shapes emotion, they’re learning to listen deeply—and that’s one of the most powerful skills an artist can have. If you are ready to teach about sound effects check out: Sound Effects
How do you teach character voices? I’d love to learn how you do it. Feel free to email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com
