FMC - Schedule
Live
Live
Publish Date
Jan 13, 2025
Rollup
Excerpt
Alice Afflick-Mensah, Head of Sound for Hamilton, shares her unconventional journey from classical music to theatre sound engineering, emphasizing empathy in leadership and her passion for DJing, while overcoming challenges like performance anxiety and prioritizing team well-being.
Tags - Relation
Tags
Alice Afflick-Mensah, Sound Engineer, Hamilton, West End, Theatre, Sound Mixing, DJing, Leadership, Performance Anxiety, Classical Music
Introduction to Alice Afflick-Mensah
In this episode of the Five Minute Call podcast, co-hosts Oren Boder and Claire Underwood sit down with Alice Afflick-Mensah, a remarkable sound engineer who has carved a niche for herself in the theatre industry. Alice currently holds the prestigious position of Head of Sound for the West End production of Hamilton, a role she has embraced with both excitement and humility.
Alice's Unconventional Path
Alice's journey into theatre sound engineering was anything but conventional. Initially studying classical music and music technology at university, Alice envisioned a career in studio engineering. However, her path took a turn when she was offered work experience on the production of Hairspray at the Shaftesbury Theatre. This opportunity opened her eyes to the world of live sound engineering, a field she had never considered before. Within a short span, Alice transitioned from work experience to a full-time role, marking the beginning of her 13-year journey in theatre sound.
The Art of Mixing Hamilton
As the Head of Sound for Hamilton, Alice is responsible for mixing the show multiple times a week. She describes the experience as exhilarating and challenging, requiring her to be fully present and responsive to the performers' energy. Alice's classical music background plays a crucial role in her ability to create a dynamic and emotionally resonant soundscape for the audience. Her role involves not only technical expertise but also an emotional connection with the cast and musicians, allowing her to adjust the mix to enhance the performance.
Overcoming Challenges and Leading with Empathy
Alice candidly discusses the challenges she has faced, including performance anxiety and the pressure of managing a major production. Despite these hurdles, she has cultivated a supportive and inclusive environment within her all-female sound team. Alice's leadership style is rooted in empathy and open communication, ensuring her team feels safe and supported. Her recent health journey, involving surgery for fibroids, highlighted the importance of creating a work environment where personal well-being is prioritised.
Alice's Passion for DJing
Beyond the theatre, Alice has also ventured into DJing, a passion that allows her to connect with audiences in a different way. Despite initial performance anxiety, Alice has embraced DJing as an extension of her love for music, using it as a platform to share her musical taste and energy with others. Her ability to read and respond to a crowd's energy is a testament to her deep understanding of music and sound.
Closing
Alice Afflick-Mensah's story is one of resilience, passion, and dedication. Her journey from a classical music student to the Head of Sound for one of the world's most renowned musicals is inspiring. Through her work, Alice continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a leader in the theatre industry. Her story is a reminder of the power of following one's passion and the impact of creating supportive environments in high-pressure industries.