The show must go on..... photos, backstage tour

Ever wondered what happens if a backstage crew member needs time off work. In this industry, there is no such thing as a sick day in order to get the cover it is a lengthy process, as you will soon see.

So, a long term client of ours has asked us to shadow the head of sound on one of their shows, primarily for emergency cover but also for a stand in if needed on the road. The children's Theatre company has at least 5 shows out on tour at any one time so as you can imagine this needs to be run like a well-oiled machine to have any chance of success.

Things the sound operator needs to learn:

. All performers and dancers entrance and exits on and off stage.
. Microphone mutes and onstage FXs.
. Control of the band and instruments.
. Triggering 157 Qs exactly on time.
. Level sent to stage monitor mix. click track and singers in ear monitors.
. Front of house main sound

The process we will follow:

Day 1. Watch the show in a Theatre touring location, meet and greet watch the original operator run the show and understand the system used for play back,

day 2. Today, Watch again the show and begin to mark up a script with the operator, go over section by section from the audio output system and complete any edits.

Day 3.Technical Rehearsals, The cast will be called for a long day going over each sound Q and all songs controlled by the new operator, this is a lengthy process and can go on for days even for short shows. both operators will then de-rig together and address any problems that may hinder the new tech.

Day4. New venue. Now the replacement tech will carry out the setup and operate their first show being shadowed by the original tech for support.

day5. First live show by new operator will hopefully go smoothly, the actors on stage may notice a slight difference as they know the performance intimately, but it's unlikely the audience will.

so there you have it a good 80 hours of work for all the staff to cover one 30min show haha.... (we must be mad) This is of corse a lot of work for everyone involved, however, it has to be this way as the sound operator is not just a DJ he or she is integral to the timing and flow of the performance. A classic saying: if your audience notices the sound when watching a show then there is something wrong.

I hope you find this interesting, do post any questions you may have below.

Thanks

Steve Ellis @TecAV

600 seat treatre

Theatre Fly Floor

Lighting Plan

         Getting ready for Show 2 And Doing a Sound check