What roles are there?

Within the sound department, there are four roles you’d regularly see in a production:

• Sound Designer - The Sound Designer handles sound effects, creating and editing the tracks that will be played during the performances. Alongside this, they organise all the logistics prior to the tech week, such as information about band members and where they will be placed during the performances, which sound effects play at what point in the script and noting these onto a separate document, and more. This role usually has the most creative authority in the department, working closely with the production team to deduce what they need for sound effects and organise it all into a QLab file.
• Sound 1/Sound Mixer - Sound 1 handles mixing during the show, balancing the levels of performers, instruments, and sound effects during performances. They also organise a mic plot tracking which performer has which mic at a given time, set up the band, and lead the department during the tech and show days. This role works closely with everybody involved with a show, ensuring everyone is happy with how they sound.
• Sound 2/ Sound Operator - Sound 2 handles the firing of sound effects/QLab cues and the communication between sound with other departments during the show. They will be responsible with communicating any sound issues to and from the sound 1 and help mitigate any issue by directing the sound 3 or stage team.
• Sound 3 - Sound 3 handles mic changes, allocations, and any issues that pop up during a performance. This role is normally backstage during the show, and works with performers to ensure everybody has the right microphone at the right time. They will also need to understand how to deal with issues quickly, as they are the first point of contact for performers or stage crew if something goes wrong during a show.

Every role requires a strong understanding of the equipment used and how they are set up, and you may find yourself helping with another role’s tasks as well.