Sound Technician 


What is a sound technician?

Anyone looking for a career in backstage and technical theatre should first consider what area most interests them. Sound Technicians - often referred to as Sound Engineers - produce, amplify, mix, record, sync and reproduce sound, effects and music for theatre rehearsals, theatre productions and special events. They’re also responsible for looking over the equipment, checking connections, maintaining sound quality and coordinating staff.

Sound technicians are employed in many industries including broadcasting (radio or television), live performance (theatre, music and dance), advertising, music production and film.

You're most likely to start off as a trainee, sound assistant, runner or administrator, and progress to more specialist or senior positions. You can expect to spend two years in a trainee/assistant role, developing your specialist knowledge and technical skills, before you progress.

There are many roles within both production and post-production, including:


Qualifications 

While you don't need a degree to become a sound technician, it's important to show a good understanding of the physics of sound, technical aptitude (including an awareness of current sound technology and equipment), good aural skills, excellent communication skills and attention to detail.


You can get into this job through:


*Accessed from prospects / NCS 2024*

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through an advanced apprenticeship that covers sound engineering skills. Apprenticeships include:


A good general education is useful. GCSEs or A-levels in maths and physics, and qualifications in electronics are particularly beneficial.

Having a degree or HND in one of the following subjects may increase your chances of success:


employers

The range of potential employers is huge and includes:


Click the button above for ideas of employers in these sectors ^. 

Look for job vacancies at:

Many sound technicians are freelancers, working across different sectors of the sound industry. To be successful, you'll need to build a professional reputation and make your own contacts through networking and speculative applications.

You can also use specialist directories that provide useful contacts for making speculative applications for freelance work. They include:

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