Sound, Lighting and Multimedia

Sound and lighting caused some of the biggest technical challenges.

We had been checking the progress of the different crews during rehearsals, but some of the technical preparation was still incomplete very close to the performance. The Sound and Light crew also had to communicate with the Communication Arts faculty about equipment such as lights and lapel microphones.

Looking back, I think I should have monitored this area more closely. I was focused on props, stage transitions, costumes, the backdrop and other departments, and I relied on the Director to also monitor Sound and Light. I now realise that if something is critical to the performance, I cannot assume it is being handled simply because we have discussed it.

We were not able to get the lighting equipment we originally wanted, so I worked with the Director to use the hall lights and decide when the lights should be on or off. Earlier, I had also suggested using coloured plastic sheets if we could not get the lighting equipment we needed.

Another issue involved the videos that had to be played before our drama. We were only informed shortly before the performance that three or four videos from other students' practical assignments needed to be shown. Because this information came so late, the technical crew had not had enough time to prepare and practise the correct order.

This caused confusion during the actual event. I think the videos should have been communicated to the technical crew earlier and included in a technical rehearsal.

These experiences taught me that technical preparation needs to happen early enough to test everything, rather than simply assuming that it will work on the day.