Sound engineering for theatre and the performing arts
Similar to how lighting can evoke emotions and create different ambiences as part of a theatre performance, producing quality sound at different volumes and pitches can also impact on the audience experience. Weak sound quality or the wrong pitch can break the theatrical illusion, while an expertly timed sound effect can instil a sense of fear or calm, complementing the action on stage.
There are many factors to consider when planning sound systems for the performing arts. From a sound engineer’s perspective, a theatre design can too often resemble nothing more than a large echoing hall. However, oftentimes a theatre will have been designed with acoustics in mind from the onset. Back in the day, the Roman amphitheatres were designed in such a way that simple voice projection was enough to reach the audience. In today’s theatres, however, with their modern and eclectic architectural designs, sophisticated AV technology and powerful sound systems have become a necessity and technological advances are continually changing the shape of the sector.
Here Prolight + Sound Middle East explores the role of the sound engineer in theatre production and looks at how AV technology has become an integral component for successful theatre performances.
Many theatres will already have their own built-in AV technology with the most sophisticated sound systems which has been painstakingly configured through any number of channels. A sound engineer will have to work with this integrated AV technology to design the best sound solution bespoke to a particular show or performance.
Technology has become the backbone for theatrical performances, and this is particularly the case when it comes to sound quality in a production. There are remarkable new possibilities for enhancing sound for a theatre production and any number of technological solutions available. Microphone design, selection and placement all have a significant impact on sound quality, as does the appropriate selection between analogue and digital technology and the right use of mixers and speakers in the overall sound system.
For a sound engineer, this means having a vast knowledge of the different equipment and brands available on the market for varying purposes. They must stay abreast of the latest trends shaping the market so they are always on top of their game to ensure that every word spoken, or sound made, is heard throughout the theatre. It is a sound engineer’s responsibility to amplify, mix, record, sync and reproduce sounds and effects to help towards achieving a flawless theatrical performance. They are also responsible for equipment maintenance and often on-the-spot trouble shooting. In short, the entire sound system, which can make or break performance quality, is their responsibility.
Keeping up with the jargon and new technologies is a challenge in itself. Dynamic, condenser and lavalier microphones, polar and pick-up patterns and omni- and uni-directional are just some of the basic, everyday words for a sound engineer working in the entertainment, event, media and creation industry.
Visit Prolight + Sound Middle East, taking place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 17th – 19th October to see a wide range of AV technology and speak to industry experts. GSL Pro Middle East, exclusive distributor of Harman Professional audio brands across the Middle East, will be showcasing some of the latest technology from world leading brands. Similarly, the experts at leading German sound technology developer and manufacturer Sennheiser will demonstrate the company’s latest sound systems. The likes of Martin Professional and Bose Professional will also be on hand making it an exhibition not to be missed for sound designers and sound engineers wishing to take their capabilities to the next level.