Minjae Kim

is a theater enthusiast now most frequently referred to as a Sound Designer! My sound design process is deeply text-based and loves to work closely with other designers, writers, et al collaborators. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Princeton University and a Master of Fine Arts in Design from the David Geffen School of Drama (formerly YSD) at Yale University.

So, as a Sound Designer,
do you PLAY music?

That’s a great question!
I don’t inherently advertise myself as a musician/instrumentalist. I’m never going to be your FIRST pick to play an instrument on stage - yet I curiously continue to find myself with an instrument onstage?? So far, instruments I have performed with onstage include: guitar, bass, vocals, trumpet, and once, a bucket.

Hmm, do you compose music?

This is more of a semantic argument of interest for producers than it is for me.
I have a strong musical background, and my Sound Design will inevitably lean into musical and rhythmic elements (whether I like it or not!) However, if you’re looking for someone to write the next best piano concerto, I’m probably not him. If you’re looking for someone to write two-three songs for a show that just has lyrics OR to re-arrange and teach an existing song? That I can do!

tl;dr - if the producers have extra money, yes Minjae is a composer. If not, he’s just a Sound Designer who likes notes.

What else do you do?

My background in text studies and penchant for Google Sheets has given me an appreciation for theater administration, especially Artistic Direction. I spent a formative time as Artistic Director for Yale Summer Cabaret Season 50: Greenhouse and for Yale Cabaret Season 57: Phoenix.

When I’m not doing theater, I freelance as a proofreader for Macmillan and referee soccer with USSF and NYCFooty. Otherwise, you’ll find me spending my spare time fishing in the East River, practicing piano, and maybe doing laundry.