Hours before the final, sold-out performance of Sarafina! at the National Arts Festival 2024, a critical Front of House (FOH) speaker failed. Our pre-show check revealed a blown driver, caused by a faulty venue power switch. With a full audience arriving soon, a rapid solution was essential to save the show.

My Role & Responsibilities on this Project: 

My key responsibilities for this project:

As the on-duty Sound Technician, I worked with Senior Engineer Mr. Smith to diagnose the fault. He immediately escalated the issue and personally sourced and purchased a replacement driver. Together, arrived hours early post the show, we executed the repair, replacing the blown component and ensuring the entire audio system was fully operational before doors opened.

The Result

 The show proceeded flawlessly for a full-capacity audience, maintaining the high standard of an Ovation Award-winning production and demonstrating effective crisis management under pressure.

Technical Note:

• Venue: City Hall, National Arts Festival, Makhanda

• Console Operated: Yamaha M7CL

• Fault: Blown driver in FOH speaker stack.

• Solution: Driver replacement.

• Role: Student Sound Technician (Show Operator & Repair Team)