Operate sound for theatre and live productions

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.

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1. establish and confirm the requirements of sound operation
2. maintain communication with performers and colleagues to identify changes that have implications on sound operation
3. explain technical matters or problems to performers and colleagues taking account of their level of technical understanding
4. communicate sound operation requirements to sound operators within your team
5. monitor and maintain the condition, safety and security of sound equipment in line with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice
6. 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
7. make contingency plans for equipment failures and malfunctions
8. contain and correct faults, failures and breakdowns with minimal disruption to performance
9. check and confirm that amplified sound signal is free from audio feedback and other defects
10. make correct and consistent responses to cues
11. playback sound for expected duration and level within safe limits
12. ensure that sound mix, levels and quality accommodate the requirements of performers, sound designers, creative teams, venue management and producers
13. ensure that playback quality meets agreed technical and artistic specifications and achieves the requirements of sound designs
14. leave working environments and equipment ready for use and materials in a suitable condition for subsequent use
15. report equipment failures during performance which you cannot deal with to appropriate people
16. keep records in agreed formats

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1. how to identify requirements of performers, sound designers, creative teams, venue management and producers
2. how to read and interpret design specifications for sound
3. how to annotate and follow a script or score
4. how to follow cue sheets and respond to cues
5. the meaning of common terms for giving cues including Standing By and Go cues
6. terminology relating to stage positions including upstage, downstage, stage left and stage right
7. why it is important to deal courteously with performers and colleagues taking into account of their level of technical understanding
8. how and when to communicate with other sound operators about requirements and quality of operation
9. legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice for safety in relation to sound for both performers and audience
10. types of equipment, what it can do and how to use it including mixing equipment, playback equipment
11. equipment used to provide sound reinforcement to performers (monitoring), including loudspeakers, headphones, earpieces, graphic equalisers, parametric equalisers and other processors
12. the characteristics of microphones, amplifiers and loudspeakers and how to optimise their operation for performers
13. 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
14. the importance of checking equipment and ensuring that it complies with safety requirements
15. types of problems, faults, failures and breakdowns, and how to deal with these
16. the principles of operation of the components of a sound reinforcement system
17. how to assess sound level and quality
18. the importance of understanding acceptable sound levels for the wellbeing of audiences and neighbours close to venues
19. how to avoid and deal with feedback and colouration
20. basic acoustic principles applying to live sound reinforcement
21. the effects of external influences on recorded media
22. the audio spectrum and equalisation
23. system interconnections
24. how to recognise and contain or resolve problems immediately before or during performance
25. why it is important to leave equipment and the area in a fit state on completion of your work
26. equipment cleaning standards and procedures and materials to use
27. what sort of documentation is required and why

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3

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2028

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Current

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Original

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ScreenSkills

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CCSTTL47

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Technician, Assistant Technician , Technical Supervisor , Technical Manager, Head Technician, Theatre Technician, Stage Technician, Production Technician, Technician Crew , Sound Technician, AV Technician, Sound Operator

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sound; operate sound; theatre and live productions;

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