Cue3Go!

Issue 46

Techie Tip of the Week

THE CASE FOR A GOOD SOUND SYSTEM AND PROFESSIONAL MENTORS

Unlike lighting cues that audiences may not always consciously notice, if something goes wrong with the sound it is often very noticeable.  It’s always preferable to consult professional theatrical sound technicians when designing a high school theatre and it’s always preferable to hire professional theatrical sound technicians when managing a high school theatre.  In the long run it’s the most cost effective decision and it’s the best educational decision.

During a school musical at one of the theatres I worked at there were all sorts of issues with the sound for a couple of performances.  There was feedback, crackling, and times when you couldn’t hear the actors well enough. In addition, at that theatre the headset mics that had been provided when it was built had rather bulbous windscreens (the foam piece that goes over the end of the mic so that the ‘wind’ from an actor breathing is muted), and the mics were worn at a position on the cheek, such that when an actor turned sideways their noses looked like Pinocchio’s!  Several of the parents watching the performance those nights were so upset by this visual in general, and with the feedback, static, and intermittent lack of volume that they told the Drama teacher that they wanted to fundraise the money to purchase new headset mics and receivers.

However, it was not the mics that were the problem (other than the ‘Pinocchio Effect’) – for on those two nights the professional sound technician was unable to be there, so the student sound crew ran the show.  While student crews are capable of following their cues in a professional manner (and this particular student sound board operator was particularly good), when something comes along that needs trouble-shooting they don’t always have the experience and background knowledge to know how to trouble-shoot on the spot. In these situations professional mentorship is the fix, not expensive new equipment.  

Plus, the issue of the bulbous windscreens and the preference to have ones that have a lower profile and are less inconspicuous, is really a visual issue, not one of sound quality, and could be remedied simply by just purchasing smaller windscreens, not spending money on new receivers or a whole new sound system.

Because sound issues are something that most audience members are most familiar with and easily recognize, it’s important to have good sound equipment in your theatre.  It is also important to have a sound technician who is not only knowledgeable about how to run the equipment and how to mentor your students how to run it, but is experienced in the theatrical process.  Audience members who may not bat an eyelid when watching a show with bad lighting, would not tolerate having to sit through a play with a bad sound system or a good sound system that is badly run. Additionally, if you are deciding on purchasing sound equipment, consult a sound technician who can help you plan ahead for the variety of events the equipment will need to be used for.  It’s no good having good sound for a soloist in a jazz band, if the next night the choir can’t be heard.

This editorial is the express opinion of Beth Rand, and is not intended for substitution for professional advice regarding your specific situation or circumstances.

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DO YOU HAVE TO MANAGE YOUR THEATRE'S OPERATIONS AS WELL AS TEACH!?

HELP IS HERE!

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Dear Techie,

I'm about to start my first year teaching. I get to create and run my own program and have an incredible amount of support from my school.  But…I have been given a stagecraft class, and I am going to be expected to teach construction. I only took one class in set construction during my undergrad, and while I am confident in my personal ability to build simple sets, teaching it to students and making sure everyone keeps their fingers along the way is overwhelming.

What advice and suggestions do you have for me for designing the curriculum to my own strengths while also giving students a good opportunity to learn the construction side of things?

Underqualified in AZ

Dear Underqualified,

If you are not qualified don’t teach the subject and consult with your risk management department. For two reasons: safety (of the students), and liability (the school/district’s, and also yours!) – both of which fall under the category of Risk Management.

To be frank, I think you (and anyone in this position) need to do a lot more research before you agree to teach something for which you are not qualified.

Tech theatre is a CTE subject.  CTE subjects require a CTE certified teacher. I looked up your CTE program in Arizona. And although “Performing Arts” was listed in your CTE subjects, I didn’t see “Tech Theatre” specifically. I think you should contact your CTE office to find out more.   Here’s the link: http://www.azed.gov/cte/.

There are laws which govern what activities minors can and cannot do, and these include most of the things you will be doing in the scene shop.  Also – you didn’t mention hanging lights (and rigging, if you have a fly system) – also things you would have to teach.

The good news is, for the most part, minors may do these activities, but only “When youths are employed in career education programs, vocational or technical training school programs.” This is a quote from the Arizona Dept of L&I website – here’s the page link: https://www.azica.gov/labor-youth-exemptions. The big question is, does your class, considering you are an unqualified teacher, meet this definition? It’s something you should take up with your Risk Management office (not your admin – they won’t know, as evidence by the fact that they did not hire a CTE certified teacher to teach this class!).

All the best in your research and your class. If you follow the guidelines and laws you will be covered!

Submit your Dear Techie questions to [email protected].  

A teacher lays sprawled across three entire seats in the house. 
A student techie sees him and asks him to sit up. 

But the teacher just groans.

Seeing that the teacher wasn’t responding, the student techie tries   a more friendly tactic, and asks,
So, where are you from?
The teacher responds “The balcony”.

​

Submit your Bad Theatre Joke or Funnies to [email protected].

It is PRESETT's mission to provide information to assist in endeavors for safe and functional operations of school theatres. However, PRESETT is not a safety consultant or professional, and any information provided or advocated is not intended to supplement, not supersede, industry safety training. Always consult a theatre safety specialist about your specific situation or circumstances.