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Sound Engineer (Theatre)

Do you want to become a Sound Engineer (Theatre)? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

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In a theatre production, the sound engineer controls what the audience hears and when.

The job includes:

• working with the creative team from the start of the production
• choosing, installing and checking the technical equipment needed
• creating sound effect
• amplifying and balancing the voices, music and other sound.

Engineers must be prepared to work some unsocial hours to rehearse and stage a show. During the production itself, they usually work in a control box at the back of the theatre.

Salaries range from around £12,000 to £40,000 a year.

A sound engineer needs to be:

• alert to subtle changes and balance of sound
• interested in music, electronics and sound equipment
• technically competent
• patient
• effective as part of a team
• good with computers.

Theatres, other venues and private contractors employ sound engineers. There is no set qualification, but relevant NVQs/SVQs, degrees and diplomas are available.

Engineers do much of their training on the job. They can move on to become sound designers - who devise the sound elements of larger productions - or become self-employed, offering their skills for productions, concerts and corporate events.

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