Norman Kern's original score and sound design are first rate.

A Stimulating Production of Orson's Shadow
Richard Connema TalkinBroadway

And one cannot speak about this play without mentioning the superb artistry of Sound Designer Norman Kern. If you don’t leave the performance wanting to buy the soundtrack, I would be very surprised.

Summerland Feels Like Comin’ Home
Drew VanDyche San Francisco Bay Times

It wasn't until "Killer Joe" that I fully appreciated the subtle hand of a truly masterful designer. I have never as an actor or audience member experienced a sound design so intricately and intimately wedded to the psychological underpinnings of a play. What struck me most was his incredible ear for dialogue in the background radio and television clips he'd so painstaking timed to underscore the scene – inevitably, the sounds that emerged in our dialogue pauses were eerily appropriate for the moment, uncannily timed to comment and support without distracting from the action at hand.

Anna Bullard
Killer Joe Cast (Dottie Smith)

Norm took a play, Killer Joe, that is highly realistic with over the top blood and sex. While he accomplished supporting the individual sound cues, including intricate television and radio cues, a perpetual storm, and a pitbull bark that sent you out of your seat, he made choices with all of the above tht added a good dose of humor that balanced and strongly enhanced the production. As usual his cues were seamless and technically perfect.

Lee Sankowich
Producer/Director of Killer Joe

Norm's design acted as an integral character in 'Killer Joe'. At our first tech rehearsals, Howard and I felt compelled to "watch" the TV. Actually, we were listening to the funny bits that Norm threw into the design. Even after hundreds of performances I often found myself playing into the "scoring" of the show. The rhythms that Norm found played beautifully with our choices as well as with Lee's. It was great to have a sound design that enhanced our performances so dramatically. I'd work with Norm again in a heartbeat.

Ryan Montgomery
Killer Joe Cast (Chris Smith)

The sound design is a major character in the play. Introduced early in the first act, it moves from an atmospheric background player to center stage by the climax. Norman Kern's award-winning sound design not only transports you out of the theater, it orchestrates your emotions, playing you like a fiddle.

Be afraid, be very afraid of 'The Woman In Black'
Don Lipper Napa Register Correspondent

He (Norman) is imaginative, creative and has exceptional tecchnical knowledge. His work ethic is strong and he is very resourceful making the most out of available budget, materials, and equipment. Norman is a wonderful collaberator and a great asset to any creative team.

Lee Sankowich, Artistic Director
Marin Theater Company

"Norm is that rearest of collaborators--someone to whom you can discribe the result you're seeking and not only do you get that, you get something else entirely, something you didn't even know you wanted. It's that back-and-forth relationship with someone whose abilities and taste I implicitly trust that I look for in my search for a creative team."

Dave Gebroe Director for the Homeboy & If You Need Oil

"Norm took my location sound, which was about 80% unusable, and helped me construct a voice-over laced with beautiful music and sound effects. He literally saved my movie."

Cheryl Newbrough 2T Prouctions