
MISSION
The Sound Company is an ensemble-based theatre company that uses performance as a catalyst to spark a community conversation.
We create intentional gatherings where artists and audiences can learn and grow together. We value interdisciplinary collaboration and experimentation with new artistic forms and frames.

HISTORY
The Sound Company was founded in 2021 by Co-Producing Artistic Directors Jess Hughes and Sean Ryan Naughton. After graduating from The Ohio State University with their MFAs in acting with an emphasis on the creation of new works, they joined forces to explore their shared commitment to rigorous, collaborative, and multidisciplinary theatre and performance art.
Meet the Team
Co-Producing Artistic Director
Jess Hughes
Jess (she/they) is a performer, arts marketer, educator, and creator of new work. She has worked regionally at Austin Playhouse, Hyde Park Theatre, Penfold Theatre, Theatre en Bloc, Doctuh Mistuh Productions, Austin Shakespeare, Pollyanna Theatre Company, Present Company, Magnificent Bastards, Vetworks, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Collaboraction, and Whirligig Productions. Internationally, she has participated in the Rhodopi International Theatre Laboratory in Smolyan, Bulgaria and a new play devising workshop with Reactor in Cluj, Romania. This past year, she began lecturing at OSU’s Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts. Most recently, she played Margaret in Queen Margaret with Actors’ Theatre of Columbus. BA in Theatre: Southwestern University. MFA in Acting: Ohio State University. Representation: Collier Talent and Heyman Talent.

Co-Producing Artistic Director
Sean Ryan Naughton
Sean (he/him) is a graduate of Ohio State University's MFA Acting program and a current lecturer in the Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts. He has a twenty-year professional career in theatre, film, commercials, and new media that features extensive stage and on-camera work. His directing credits include classical and contemporary work, as well as world premieres of original new works. As a director and teaching artist for East Los Angeles Classic Theatre, he directed over two dozen devised works for young artists. Most recently as an actor, he played the titular role in Hamlet with Shakespeare at the Castle and was an invited guest artist at the University of Mount Union, appearing as Ebeneezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. He was awarded Best Actor for his performance in the short film, The Final Overture by the Los Angeles International Film Festival.

Definitions of Sound.
Noun: vibrations that travel through the air or another medium; the ideas or impressions conveyed by words
Verb: express or convey (a warning); dive down to a great depth; to look into or investigate the possibility
Adjective: solid; firm; stable; exhibiting or based on thorough knowledge and experience
