SOUND DEPARTMENT

Being a sound engineer for a production doesn’t just mean adjusting the volume, there is many sound cues to some shows and a lengthy process of planning and setting up equipment to create the optimal sound experience for the audience beforehand. 

The first steps the sound managers job is to analyse the script to find out if there is any sound effects required and also to see if any music is required. For example our showcase productions require tracks from all of the performers who are doing pieces, and then the music needs to be put into a software in which it can be queued up and played at the press of a button one after the other. Our Pantomime’s often require a long list of sound effects that need to be timed just perfectly, so they will be sourced by the manager and imported into software so they can be queued to press play by the deputy stage manager at the right time. 

Other jobs of the sound manager include setting up all the equipment such as the mixing desk, amplifiers and rigging all the speakers and cabling. This means they need to communicate closely with the lighting designer to ensure their speakers don’t get in the way of any lights! 

Radio mics are often used in larger productions and the sound manager will oversee hiring them, as well as leading his team of mic assistants to ensure actors have the correct mics at the right times. 

During the show the sound manager will operate the desk, often mixing multiple live radio mics at one time and listening out for cues from the DSM. If a live band is involved they will need to mix the instruments and adjust the bands sound level according to what is needed. 

​

​

​

(Reuben Talbot 2020)

​