Sometimes, life surprises you with opportunities you never saw coming. That's exactly what happened to me when a chance encounter led me to compose music for a children's theatre play called "Day in a Life of an Astronaut." A friend connected me with the director of the play after an unexpected lunch meeting, and before I knew it, I was on board for a journey that would turn my passion for music into a story for children.
A Glimpse into the Play
"Day in a Life of an Astronaut" is an educational theatre play designed to introduce children to the fascinating aspects of an astronaut's life. It aims to teach young audiences about the challenges astronauts face—training for missions, daily routines on the space station, missing home, and ultimately returning to Earth. It also touches on the historical milestones of space exploration, making it both entertaining and educational.
The play needed a musical backbone to bring these experiences to life—and that became my mission.
My Role in the Production
My primary role was to compose the music and design the sound effects that would support the narrative and elevate the storytelling experience. I worked closely with the director, the dance choreographer, and the visual designer to ensure that the music complemented the movement and visuals in an engaging and meaningful way. It was my first time being part of such a project, and I wasn't initially sure I was the right fit for it. But as we progressed, the positive feedback from the team made me realize that I could, indeed, meet the challenge head-on.
The Creative Process: From YouTube to Theatre
Over the past two years, I've been composing orchestral music as a hobby, sharing my works on YouTube. This play became the perfect opportunity to repurpose some of those pieces. After listening to my YouTube creations, the director loved the style and expression, which gave me a head start. However, I still had to adapt my compositions and create additional music to fit the specific needs of the play—including a key piece called "Imagine", the main theme of the production.
The process was entirely collaborative. Every step involved close communication with the director, choreographer, and visual designer. Together, we brainstormed ideas to bring the astronaut's journey to life—sometimes with orchestral themes, sometimes with electronic and dance elements. My goal was to craft a hybrid soundtrack that could feel both extraordinary yet relatable, especially to our young audience.
For my composing, I used LogicPro, a tool I've grown comfortable with over the years. It provided the flexibility and professional-grade features I needed to bring these soundscapes to life.
Creating the Music and Sound Effects
The music was a blend of orchestral and electronic styles. The director wanted something out of the ordinary that would still be easy for young audiences to connect with. The main theme, "Imagine", for example, featured a piano, flute, and cello trio that represented the three astronauts who formed the entire cast of the play. The result was a gentle and emotional theme that emphasized the wonder of space exploration and the bond between the characters.
The sound effects were also a crucial part of the production. For example, there is a dramatic spacewalk scene where two astronauts venture outside the station, only to face a sudden meteor shower. This moment demanded realistic swooshes and impacts—sounds that I crafted manually, layering effects and applying processing techniques to create a sense of danger and urgency. Even though sound technically doesn't travel in space, we allowed a creative liberty to make these moments resonate with the audience.
Another pivotal scene featured my track "Memory", which played during a touching moment where the astronauts reminisce about their favorite memories of Earth while gazing at projected images of our planet. The simple piano and cello arrangement added an emotional layer, enhancing the connection between the characters and the audience.
Audience Reaction and Reflection
The premier of "Day in a Life of an Astronaut" took place in late October 2024 in Shanghai. Seeing the audience's reaction—the excitement of children and the joy on their parents' faces—was incredibly rewarding. Many audience members spoke about how much they enjoyed the music, and the production team praised it as one of the play's strongest elements. Knowing that my music contributed to this shared experience was beyond gratifying.
What made this experience even more special was the prospect of the play going on tour across China. The idea that my music will accompany these performances as they reach new audiences across the country fills me with pride. It feels like a legacy—something that will live on beyond that initial Shanghai performance.
This experience also taught me the value of collaboration and adaptability. I had to learn to accept feedback, adjust my work, and understand the vision of others while merging it with my own. Positive criticism helped me grow, and I now have a deeper understanding of how music can serve not just as an art form but as a vital component of storytelling in theatre.
Final Thoughts
Working on "Day in a Life of an Astronaut" was a journey I will always cherish. It allowed me to take the orchestral and electronic music I had composed for fun and adapt it for a unique creative setting. From the premier in Shanghai to upcoming performances around China, this project has not only expanded my experience but also given me the chance to bring joy and education to children through music.
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