The Sound Guide job is to help the visiting Sound tech learn how to work with the host sound system. This person must be intimately familiar with the sound system and be able to quickly show visiting crew what they need to know to run their shows. This person should also be prepared to patch in equipment that a visiting show might bring. (CD player, Synthesizer, Computer, etc.) Having some patch cords and adapters on hand is a good idea.
General:
The Sound Guide must be at the sound control area during ALL technical rehearsals and ALL performances.
There is generally no need for the host crew to use the intercom during a performance so keep your mic off.
Do not leave during techs or shows. You need to be there in case something goes wrong.
Arrive 30 minutes early and test all sound components at the start of each festival day. (include every microphone, player and speaker) This allows time to make repairs as needed.
Prior to the beginning of the first technical rehearsal:
Install and test all sound equipment including: CD player, mp3 player, microphones at the sound board & back stage, speakers
Label the sound board to make it easy for anyone to use. (ex: Cassette, CD, Stage Mic., etc.)
Make a drawing that shows every control on your mixer board. Make copies to be used as cue sheets by guests.
Establish a preset position for every control in the sound system, mark these settings on a Preset cue sheet & post it near by. This should include any switches or controls on the amplifier, mixer, CD player, etc.
At the technical rehearsal the sound guide should:
Before each technical rehearsal set every control, switch and button back to the Preset Condition. See the preset cue sheet.
Meet the visiting sound tech on stage.
Briefly explain the operation of the Sound system components.
Do not condescend but don’t assume that anyone else has a system quite like yours.
Provide cue sheets and offer to keep them on file till performance.
Explain the intercom system.
Turn the controls and intercom over to the visiting tech.
Step out of the way but stay close at hand to answer questions and provide “hand holding” as needed.
If the visiting tech is struggling with something, quietly suggest a solution if you have one.
During performances:
Before each performance return all controls to Preset. See the preset cue sheet.
Turn the controls and intercom over to the visiting tech when the host stage manager ques house to ½..
Step out of the way but stay close at hand to answer questions and provide “hand holding” as needed.
If the visiting tech is struggling with something, quietly suggest a solution if you have one.
Between Technical Rehearsals and Performances
Stay on intercom between performances and techs
Be prepared to make a microphone live for announcements from the stage.
Get ready for the next tech or show. Return all settings to the preset.
The Sound Guide job is to help the visiting Sound tech learn how to work with the host sound system. This person must be intimately familiar with the sound system and be able to quickly show visiting crew what they need to know to run their shows. This person should also be prepared to patch in equipment that a visiting show might bring. (CD player, Synthesizer, Computer, etc.) Having some patch cords and adapters on hand is a good idea.
General:
The Sound Guide must be at the sound control area during ALL technical rehearsals and ALL performances.
There is generally no need for the host crew to use the intercom during a performance so keep your mic off.
Do not leave during techs or shows. You need to be there in case something goes wrong.
Arrive 30 minutes early and test all sound components at the start of each festival day. (include every microphone, player and speaker) This allows time to make repairs as needed.
Prior to the beginning of the first technical rehearsal:
Install and test all sound equipment including: CD player, mp3 player, microphones at the sound board & back stage, speakers
Label the sound board to make it easy for anyone to use. (ex: Cassette, CD, Stage Mic., etc.)
Make a drawing that shows every control on your mixer board. Make copies to be used as cue sheets by guests.
Establish a preset position for every control in the sound system, mark these settings on a Preset cue sheet & post it near by. This should include any switches or controls on the amplifier, mixer, CD player, etc.
At the technical rehearsal the sound guide should:
Before each technical rehearsal set every control, switch and button back to the Preset Condition. See the preset cue sheet.
Meet the visiting sound tech on stage.
Briefly explain the operation of the Sound system components.
Do not condescend but don’t assume that anyone else has a system quite like yours.
Provide cue sheets and offer to keep them on file till performance.
Explain the intercom system.
Turn the controls and intercom over to the visiting tech.
Step out of the way but stay close at hand to answer questions and provide “hand holding” as needed.
If the visiting tech is struggling with something, quietly suggest a solution if you have one.
During performances:
Before each performance return all controls to Preset. See the preset cue sheet.
Turn the controls and intercom over to the visiting tech when the host stage manager ques house to ½..
Step out of the way but stay close at hand to answer questions and provide “hand holding” as needed.
If the visiting tech is struggling with something, quietly suggest a solution if you have one.
Between Technical Rehearsals and Performances
Stay on intercom between performances and techs
Be prepared to make a microphone live for announcements from the stage.
Get ready for the next tech or show. Return all settings to the preset.