Workshop - Sound and Music Composition for Film and Stage

For the first time, and as part of its new educational programme, Ultima Vez is opening an intensive workshop dedicated to the artistic and practical process of composing music and designing sound for film, dance, theatre, and documentary.

Drawing on the extensive professional experience of Charo Calvo and Arthur Brouns - including their long-term collaborations with Ultima Vez and other directors and companies - this workshop offers an in-depth immersion into how a sonic universe is conceived, developed, and brought to life. Throughout the week participants will also receive hands-on sessions with studio software (editing and mixing tips), practical DAW workflows, and demonstrations of sound design and mixing techniques.

At the core of their approach lies one essential principle: every score begins with a concept.

Before a single note is composed or a sound is shaped, a clear artistic idea must be defined - one that supports the choreography or cinematic narrative and gives coherence to the entire musical and sonic language.

This workshop offers a concentrated, practice-based environment in which composers can develop their voice within the demanding and inspiring context of film and stage creation - working from concept to final presentation in six focused days under the artistic framework of Ultima Vez.

Structure of the Week

Morning Sessions (10:00–13:00)

Each morning, Charo Calvo and Arthur Brouns will each lead a 1h30 session focusing on a specific theme, concept, or aspect of the compositional process.

Topics include:

- The role of the composer in film and stage productions
- From the first meeting with a director or choreographer to final delivery
- Concept development and artistic intention
- Translating dramaturgy into sound
- Recording, editing, mixing, and presentation - with practical software demonstrations and editing/mixing tips
- Real-world workflows and artistic decision-making
- Case studies of completed projects

Participants will gain insight into both artistic vision and practical methodology. Through concrete examples from their projects, Charo and Arthur will talk about and demonstrate not only final results, but also the creative doubts, structural decisions, and technical processes behind them.

Charo Calvo will additionally draw from her experience as a dancer, offering perspective on how sound interacts with the performing body and stage presence - a dimension particularly resonant within Ultima Vez’s physical and cinematic language.

Afternoon Studio Practice (approx. 4 hours)

After lunch, participants will work individually on selected film and stage materials. Each participant will have a dedicated desk with laptop and headphones to develop their own creations.

Throughout the studio sessions, Charo Calvo and Arthur Brouns will circulate to provide:

- Individual feedback
- Artistic and technical guidance
- Discussion around compositional choices
- Practical software guidance (editing, mixing, DAW workflow and sound-design demonstrations)
- Support in refining concepts and workflow

During the week, participants will work toward developing at least one fully realized piece, grounded in a strong and coherent concept.

Depending on individual pace and working process, participants may also explore additional formats, including:

- A sound-based piece
- A music-based piece
- A piece for captation (dance or stage recording)

These formats serve as compositional frameworks and points of exploration. While engaging with all three is an ideal trajectory, the primary focus remains on developing at least one work as deeply and rigorously as possible.

A range of films and stage materials will be available, allowing each participant to develop a complete soundtrack using their own artistic language and background. Diverse compositional approaches are encouraged - electronic, acoustic, hybrid, experimental, minimal, cinematic - provided they are conceptually grounded.

Saturday: Recording & Presentations

The final day will include:

- A recording session (where relevant)
- Final presentations of participant works
- Group feedback and discussion

This concluding session offers participants the opportunity to reflect on their creative process and present their artistic outcomes within a professional framework.

Pedagogical Approach

This workshop does not focus on beginner-level software tutorials. It focuses on thinking like a composer for stage and screen. At the same time, the programme includes practical, hands-on advice and tips on editing, mixing, DAW-based sound design, and workflow strategies - presented as demonstrations and integrated into the studio practice rather than as step-by-step basic tutorials.

Participants are expected to have basic proficiency in their chosen DAW. The emphasis lies on:

- Artistic coherence
- Conceptual clarity
- Collaboration with directors and choreographers
- Professional workflow
- Translating intention into sound

Practical Requirements

Participants must bring:

- Laptop
- Headphones
- Card reader
- External hard drive or USB stick

Required software experience (one or more):

- Ableton Live
- Logic Pro
- Reaper
- Pro Tools
- Cubase

Participants who own recording equipment are encouraged to bring it.

How to Apply

Ultima Vez welcomes applications from individuals with prior experience in sound or music composition and a working knowledge of at least one DAW (as listed above). There is no age limit.

While the workshop addresses participants who already possess a certain level of technical familiarity, we also encourage applications from emerging composers and sound artists who may not yet have an extensive professional track record but demonstrate a strong artistic voice, commitment, and conceptual thinking.

Participation is limited to 20 participants in order to maintain a focused and intensive working environment.

Please submit:

- A short description (max. 1 page) outlining your artistic and/or professional journey in sound or music
- A video or audio showreel or documentation of a specific project (film, performance, installation, etc.) that best represents your work
- An artistic CV (if available)

Applications must be submitted via the Google Form link below before 12 March 2026.

https://forms.gle/JPRAipuHCpq9...

Selected participants will be notified at the latest on 16/03 after the review process conducted by the workshop teachers.