J. David Franzke

J. David Franzke is a Composer, Sound Designer, Music Mixer and Producer. His primary work is composing and designing for live performance in theatre. It also includes film, visual art installations as well as the production of albums. Known for his bold and idiosyncratic scores, Franzke has worked with some of Australia’s most influential directors including Simon Phillips, Matthew Lutton, Peter Houghton, Marion Potts, Michael Kantor, Pamela Rabe and Richard Lowenstein. His work has toured both nationally and internationally. With a contribution spanning 25 years in the arts industry of Australia, his unique approach to each project he continues challenge and provoke audiences providing visceral experience for audiences across many art forms. 

He has also lectured in sound design at the Victorian College of the Arts in the area of production technology. David collaborates with Victorian secondary schools as a sound design mentor and composer on various projects creating original designs for shows such as The Secret in the Wings, Lord of the Flies, 1984 and The Little Prince. His work often appears on the VCE play list for theatre studies and drama and has presented to year 12 students on his creative process. He has mentored students undertaking sound design for their VCE stagecraft examination and regularly mentors university students through the Malthouse Theatre’s education program. He is the recipient of 5 Green Room Awards for composition and sound design.