Operate sound for theatre and live productions
URN: SKSTTL26
Business Sectors (Suites): Theatre and Live Productions – Technical
Developed by: ScreenSkills
Approved on:
2025
Overview
This standard is about operating sound to meet performance requirements. This could be during the rehearsal process or for the actual performance.
You will be required to prepare and operate sound equipment to cue and deal with any faults so that the performance is not disrupted. You will also be required to communicate with performers and other colleagues.
This standard is for anyone who operates sound equipment to cue for theatre and live productions.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- establish and confirm the requirements of sound operation
- maintain communication with performers and colleagues to identify changes that have implications on sound operation
- explain technical matters or problems to performers and colleagues taking account of their level of technical understanding
- communicate sound operation requirements to sound operators within your team
- monitor and maintain the condition, safety and security of sound equipment in line with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice
- check and confirm that all equipment is complete, in full working order, free from obvious physical defects and meets legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice
- make contingency plans for equipment failures and malfunctions
- contain and correct faults, failures and breakdowns with minimal disruption to performance
- check and confirm that amplified sound signal is free from audio feedback and other defects
- make correct and consistent responses to cues
- playback sound for expected duration and level within safe limits
- ensure that sound mix, levels and quality accommodate the requirements of performers, sound designers, creative teams, venue management and producers
- ensure that playback quality meets agreed technical and artistic specifications and achieves the requirements of sound designs
- leave working environments and equipment ready for use and materials in a suitable condition for subsequent use
- report equipment failures during performance which you cannot deal with to appropriate people
- keep records in agreed formats
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- how to identify requirements of performers, sound designers, creative teams, venue management and producers
- how to read and interpret design specifications for sound
- how to annotate and follow a script or score
- how to follow cue sheets and respond to cues
- the meaning of common terms for giving cues including Standing By and Go cues
- terminology relating to stage positions including upstage, downstage, stage left and stage right
- why it is important to deal courteously with performers and colleagues taking into account of their level of technical understanding
- how and when to communicate with other sound operators about requirements and quality of operation
- legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice for safety in relation to sound for both performers and audience
- types of equipment, what it can do and how to use it including mixing equipment, playback equipment
- equipment used to provide sound reinforcement to performers (monitoring), including loudspeakers, headphones, earpieces, graphic equalisers, parametric equalisers and other processors
- the characteristics of microphones, amplifiers and loudspeakers and how to optimise their operation for performers
- how to achieve the sound level and quality that meets the needs of the performer when foldback is used without compromising the needs of the production or those of other performers
- the importance of checking equipment and ensuring that it complies with safety requirements
- types of problems, faults, failures and breakdowns, and how to deal with these
- the principles of operation of the components of a sound reinforcement system
- how to assess sound level and quality
- the importance of understanding acceptable sound levels for the wellbeing of audiences and neighbours close to venues
- how to avoid and deal with feedback and colouration
- basic acoustic principles applying to live sound reinforcement
- the effects of external influences on recorded media
- the audio spectrum and equalisation
- system interconnections
- how to recognise and contain or resolve problems immediately before or during performance
- why it is important to leave equipment and the area in a fit state on completion of your work
- equipment cleaning standards and procedures and materials to use
- what sort of documentation is required and why
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Links To Other NOS
External Links
Version Number
3
Indicative Review Date
2028
Validity
Current
Status
Original
Originating Organisation
ScreenSkills
Original URN
CCSTTL47
Relevant Occupations
Technician, Assistant Technician , Technical Supervisor , Technical Manager, Head Technician, Theatre Technician, Stage Technician, Production Technician, Technician Crew , Sound Technician, AV Technician, Sound Operator
SOC Code
Keywords
sound; operate sound; theatre and live productions;