Most of our productions need the addition of sound effects and often music to enhance the action on the stage. A sound person will select, record and playback these effects under the guidance of the director of the play. Music is important to set a mood or highlight a transition in the action. Sound effects emphasise an action sequence or support what is happening on stage.

There is a wealth of pre-recorded sound effects readily available on CD and on the internet.

However, occasionally it is necessary to construct a specific ‘tailor made’ set of sounds using our own recording facilities. To reproduce the sound of Nazi troopers arresting one character we took over an old house and recorded half a dozen people running up and down the stairs shouting “Raus Raus”. The more noise the better on that occasion.

We use Minidisc technology to record and playback our sound.

Two (occasionally three) Minidisc players are used for playback because sounds sometimes need to overlap each other or follow closely one after another. The effects are then played through a sound desk, which controls the volume, tone and direction of the sounds.

We can also add echo, reverberation and other effects at this time. The sound is then amplified and heard through a variety of speakers, which are placed around the hall.

All this is happening generally within sight of the action but hidden from the view of the audience.

All the equipment is easy to use and accessible. Instruction manuals are close to hand, and advice, assistance and guidance from our experienced sound team is always available.

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