Source and obtain sound equipment for theatre and live productions
URN: SKSTTL7
Business Sectors (Suites): Theatre and Live Productions – Technical
Developed by: ScreenSkills
Approved on:
2025
Overview
This standard is about sourcing sound equipment. You will need to agree what items and equipment such as microphones, amplifiers, loudspeakers, mixing consoles, control equipment and cables are required for the production and confirm the creative requirements and practical constraints that they must meet.
You will also need to plan whether they will be hired, bought, made or borrowed and negotiate to remain within budget.
In addition, you will need to check incoming equipment against specifications.
This standard is for anyone involved in sourcing and obtaining sound equipment for theatre and live productions.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- draw up specifications for equipment and consumables that meet the requirements of sound designs
- obtain information on industry developments relating to equipment and its capabilities
- select the most appropriate equipment to meet production requirements, taking account of technical and financial factors and equipment availability
- check that planned choices and positions of equipment allow for intended staging of productions
- identify sources of equipment according to specifications, schedule and budget
- provide suppliers with complete specifications for systems including any special requirements
- source quotes and assess information regarding potential suppliers against pre-agreed criteria
- agree terms and conditions for supplying equipment and items with suppliers that are in line with production and budget requirements
- comply with organisational procedures for sourcing, receiving and storing equipment
- check that the equipment meets agreed specifications
- deal with problems with supply or equipment in line with production processes
- monitor expenditure and budget use in line with organisational procedures, providing information to appropriate people when required
- work within budget constraints and deal with budget overspend
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the importance of having an up-to-date copy of the sound plan and how to interpret this
- how to confirm creative requirements and practical constraints including sustainability
- types of equipment and what it can do including microphones, amplifiers, loudspeakers, mixing consoles, control equipment and cables
- sources of information on newly available equipment
- the advantages and disadvantages of hiring, buying, making or borrowing equipment required for sound designs
- where to obtain information about sources of supply, including hire companies
- where to obtain information about hirers policies on spares
- the importance of agreeing clear specifications for equipment
- the documentation required for the supply of equipment and consumables
- how to negotiate cost effective terms
- the available budget and how to monitor its use
- the health and safety regulations regarding electricity, hazardous substances and using equipment and when to enforce them
- legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice for sourcing, receiving and storing equipment
- the importance of checking deliveries against what has been ordered and how to do so
- the importance of checking equipment is working when it is received
- problems that could occur with sourcing equipment and how to deal with these
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
CCSTTL16
Relevant Occupations
Technician, Assistant Technician , Technical Supervisor , Technical Manager, Head Technician, Theatre Technician, Stage Technician, Production Technician, Technician Crew , Lighting Technician, Sound Technician, AV Technician
SOC Code
Keywords
source; obtain; sound equipment; theatre and live productions;