A distributed mode actuator (DMA) includes a flat panel extending in a plane and a rigid, elongate member extended parallel to the plane. The member is mechanically coupled to a face of the flat panel at a point. An end of the member is free to vibrate in a direction perpendicular to the plane. The DMA also includes a magnet and an electrically-conducting coil. Either the magnet or the coil is mechanically coupled to the member. When the coil is energized, an interaction between a magnetic field of the magnet and a magnetic field from the coil applies a force sufficient to displace the member in the direction perpendicular to the plane. The DMA further includes an electronic control module electrically coupled to the coil and programmed to energize the coil to vibrate the member to produce an audio response from the flat panel.