At the Tony Awards, after the statues are given to the winners, they are taken to the media room, where they speak to journalists about their prizes. Playbill was able to have some one-on-one time with some of the 2023 Tony winners. We spoke with sound designer Carolyn Downing after she won the prize for Best Sound Design of a Play for Life of Pi.

Watch the video above to see Downing find her words while being "kinda shell-shocked" that she won. The British designer admits that her brain "fizzed" a little when her name was called, sharing that her first thoughts once it sunk in were about her supportive partner—and making that walk to the stage in her heels. When speaking about her journey as sound designer, Downing explained that it all began when she was 15 years old: "It actually all started with my mum." Her mom took her to a local theatre's open day and introduced her to the sound designers there. "That was the start of the journey, she was the kind of catalyst."

WATCH: See and Hear How the Design of Life of Pi Brings a Watery Battle to Life

Life of Pi marks Downing's first time being nominated for a Tony Award. She made her Broadway debut with All My Sons and all sound designed Les Liaisons Dangereuses. For her work in the West End, Downing was recognized with an Olivier win for Chimerica and an Olivier nomination for Summer & Smoke.

For Playbill's complete coverage of the Tony Awards, visit Playbill.com/Tonys.

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Meet the 2023 Tony Winners

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