The Shows I have worked on
LIVE BAND
When we first got on the sound desk, we began by labeling each channel to identify which microphone was which—for example, channel one was the kick drum. After labeling all the channels, we waited for the band to come in and performed a sound check. During this process, we adjusted the levels to ensure they sounded balanced and we minimized feedback.
This process also allowed us to add reverb to the singers' voices, enhancing their sound and improving the overall audio quality.
Overall, I really liked our assessment, but I think one thing that could have been different was making one of the singers a bit louder. In parts of the sound, we couldn’t hear them clearly. If I had increased their volume slightly, I would have been able to hear them much better.
One way I could have done this is by raising the fader higher during the parts of the song where they needed to be louder. However, this might have caused some feedback. Alternatively, I could have raised the EQ levels for that singer, making them louder without having to increase the fader beyond its current level on the desk.
Animal farm
The get in
I started the get in by setting up some stage. As we needed to build the stage plan in the theatre. I also had to set up the speakers. To do this I needed to do correct manual handling, it is important to lift correctly as if you lift with your back and not your legs, it can damage your back a lot leading to severe pain in future. I had to move a stage monitor on stage so that the performers can hear themselves clearly. After that we set up and checked it worked we went to set up the sound desk
What was my role ?
I was sound designer so during the technical rehearsal. I was doing the sound checks before the show to make sure that everthing was working like the speakers, the sound effects on QLab and setting up and EQing the mics and the floor mics, which took a lot of EQing. I high-end boosted and put a high-pass filter in to roll off the low end because the mics were picking up mostly footsteps on the stage.
DRESS
During the dress run, I helped out with running the shows by operating the desks. We run the dress rehearsal like an actual show so we can check timings and how the show will run.
I have worked on a Christmas show with Boa
Cinderella
My show role was part of the sound team. We had to ensure the sound was good for the shows. Before the show, we arrived early at the theatre. This allowed us to check the microphones and make sure they sounded good and had good quality. We tested the microphones and speakers to ensure everything was set up properly. I also took care of the batteries, making sure they were fully charged. After the show, I put the microphones on charge to ensure they would be fully powered for the next performance and to prevent any issues.
Overall, I think the experience went well, and I enjoyed the show while learning new skills such as operating the sound and running Qlab. I discovered that there are many different functions on the sound system, like EQ, that allow you to shape the soundtrack to achieve the desired sound, and I gained basic knowledge of how to use Qlab for future productions. However, I found the late nights during shows and early mornings to be challenging due to the long hours. If I were to do the show again, I would focus on being more involved in the process and improving communication with the team, especially during the get-in, to prevent delays. I would also prioritize getting enough sleep and rest to ensure I am alert and prepared for the performances.
