Theatre sound manager: Job description and activities

A theatre sound manager oversees all aspects of the sound content of a production. This involves the creation and recording of sound as well as the operation and maintenance of sound systems in the theatre.

Sound managers normally have a technical background in electrics/electronics or broadcasting/recording. Others gain skills from technical theatre or stage management courses, specialising in sound.

In large theatres, the theatre sound manager liaises with the sound designer and oversees the work of a team of technicians. In smaller theatres, the sound manager designs the sound, decides on the equipment to use and where it should be placed, and may even operate the equipment during performances.

Tasks typically involve:

taking responsibility for the maintenance and security of sound equipment;
pre-recording sound;
rigging microphones;
balancing levels between dialogue, music and other sound effects;
documenting the music used in a production in order to enable the payment of royalties to composers and copyright holders;
operating the sound desk according to a ‘sound plot’ and on cues from the deputy stage manager during a performance.

For more information see Theatre stage manager.

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