Sound Design student Brandon McDull receives a trip to USITT25 Conference & Stage Expo, March 5th thru 8th, 2025
Petaluma, CA, March 3rd, 2025 — 
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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About Point Source Audio
Point Source Audio manufactures and distributes worldwide their SERIES9, SERIES8, EMBRACE, and CONFIDENCE collection of miniature microphones—a unique line of headset, earworn and earmounted microphones known for their robust bendable boom and waterproof features. The company also holds two patents for the EMBRACE concealable microphone as well as the patent for the world’s first modular in-ear comms headset that is supporting the hearing health for audio, lighting, and camera techs using headsets everywhere from sports to space. Founded in 2004, Point Source Audio is headquartered in Petaluma, Calif. For more information call (415) 226-1122 or visit http://www.point-sourceaudio.com/.
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