It doesn't matter how good your cast, sets and costumes are if the audience can't hear what's happening on-stage! Many people find theatre sound intimidating, while others simply ignore it.

In this session we'll try and ease some of the pain by considering exactly what equipment you need to hire - and what you really don't need - how to get the most from a limited budget, and break down some of the jargon that gets thrown around by unsympathetic sound geeks! From there we'll cover basic microphone techniques, getting the best from your performers, and finally we'll discuss strategies for managing the sound for your show.

The handout for this session is available by clicking the handout icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the video player.
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    Graham Caplin
    Freelance Sound and Lighting Designer & Engineer, Radio Facilities

    Graham studied theatre production and design at Croydon College, whilst working as a follow-spot operator on the West End show Barnum. He's worked in small regional theatres, and one of his highlights was touring with a children's show in which he doubled as the back end of a pantomime horse!

    From theatre, Graham went on to become a sound engineer for Chris Tarrant for 2½ years at Capital Radio, travelling the world with the award-winning Breakfast Show.

    More recently Graham has been working for Radio Facilities as a sound engineer, specialising in radio microphone hire to education and the entertainment industry. Up to the start of the Covid-19 pandemic he also worked with several schools and colleges, advising on sound, and for the last seven years he has worked closely with the performing arts department at St Charles Catholic Sixth Form College, teaching students about lighting and sound, and helping them to create performances for their exams.