Live Sound Engineer
What is the work like?
As a sound engineer, you would control the sound in theatre performances, concerts and other live events like conferences or fashion shows. You would operate equipment such as microphones, amplifiers and control desks, to provide background music and sound effects and to balance the sound levels.
Your job might include:
- discussing the production’s sound needs with the director or sound designer
- exactly where in the script any sound effects, music and changes in sound level are needed
- pre-recording any sound effects and music to be used
- choosing suitable microphones and equipment
- positioning and rigging up microphones
- doing sound checks before a performance
- operating the sound desk during shows
- following a sound plan (known as a 'plot') and cues from the deputy stage manager
- looking after and repairing the equipment
- unloading, setting up, dismantling and loading equipment at each venue when on tour.
You could also help to set up and operate lighting equipment as part of a sound and lighting crew.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will need a good knowledge of music and sound technology, and you will also find it useful to understand physics and electronics. Many sound engineers start by taking a course in technical theatre, music technology or sound engineering, to develop skills before looking for work.
When looking for your first job, you will find it useful to have practical experience of using sound equipment. Taking a relevant course can help, and you could also build up your experience through activities like:
- helping backstage in a theatre, or being a roadie for a band
- rigging sound in amateur or student theatre, or for local bands
- recording or mixing music, for example as a DJ
- working for a sound equipment manufacturer or hire company.
Relevant courses you could take include:
- City & Guilds 7503 Certificate/Diploma in Sound and Music Technology
- BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Production Arts or Music Technology
- BTEC HNC/HND in Performing Arts (Production)
- foundation degrees or degrees in sound engineering, music technology or technical theatre arts.
Check with colleges or universities for course entry requirements.
Several drama schools also offer degrees and diplomas in technical theatre accredited by the National Council for Drama Training (NCDT). Some of these courses include lighting and stage management as well as sound. See the NCDT website for more details.
What further training and development can I do?
You would learn on the job from experienced sound engineers, developing your skills with each production that you work on.
You can also take short professional training courses in areas like new technical equipment, rigging and health and safety, to keep up to date with changes in technology throughout your career. You can find more information about training from the following organisations' websites:
- Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT)
- Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA)
- Soundengineer.co.uk.
Joining professional bodies like ABTT, PLASA or the Institute of Sound and Communications Engineers (ISCE) could also help your career by providing benefits such as networking opportunities and advice services.
With experience, you could choose to take further qualifications such as BTEC Level 5 Professional Diplomas in Light and Sound (Technical Theatre Management), Live Sound or Stage Sound.
If you want to move into sound for television and film, you can also take short courses to develop your skills in this area. See Skillset's website for details.
Where can I go for more information?
London
WC1H 0JJ
Tel: 020 7387 3650
1 Edward Road
Eastbourne
BN23 8AS
Tel: 01323 524120
London
SW9 9BT
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
Reading
RG6 7BP
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
London
EC1M 3JB
Tel: 020 7242 9200
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Trainee sound assistants may start on around £12,000 a year.
- Experienced sound engineers can earn between £25,000 and £30,000 a year.
- Sound designers can earn £40,000 a year or more.
Freelance rates can vary widely. You could negotiate fees based on the type of production and your own track record, or you may be paid according to BECTU guidelines.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Hours can be long and irregular, and you would need to be flexible about when you could work. Evening, late night and weekend work is common, as this is when most theatre performances and concerts take place. You may also work during the daytime for rehearsals, sound checks and maintenance.
You could work in theatres, concert halls, arenas, and outdoor concerts and festivals. You would spend a lot of your time sitting at a control desk.
Working on theatre or concert tours can involve a lot of travel in the UK and possibly overseas.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good hearing, for distinguishing sound quality
- a good sense of pitch, timing and rhythm
- a knowledge of electronics and acoustics
- good practical skills
- patience and concentration
- a keen interest in music and sound
- the ability to cope with long hours and tight deadlines
- good communication and ‘people’ skills
- awareness of health and safety.
What opportunities are there?
You could work for venues, theatre companies, or sound services companies that supply freelance engineers to theatre, concerts or events. Freelance contract work is very common. Competition for work is strong, but there are good opportunities for experienced and skilled people.
Some jobs are advertised in industry websites and magazines such as The Stage and Stage Jobs Pro, but it is most common to get work through networking and contacts. You may increase your prospects if you also know about stage lighting and other electrical work.
With experience, you could progress to chief sound engineer in a theatre, become a sound designer, or set up your own sound services company.
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