Sound technician

Sound technicians set up, position and operate sound equipment for music or theatrical productions. Operating sound systems usually takes place from behind a console.

Otherwise known as:

Audio engineer
Live sound engineer

Work activities

In live shows, sound equipment is used to amplify and balance musical instruments and the voices of actors and singers. It is also used to provide sound effects and background music.

Sound technicians set up and operate this equipment. This could involve:

Choosing the most appropriate equipment and the best positions.
Connecting cables to the sound console or mixing desk.
Rigging microphones and loudspeakers in appropriate places

When they are working on a theatre production, sound technicians find, or record and edit, suitable sound effects and background music. They can then prepare a sound plot with cues for when each is to be played during the show. They balance the sound and adjust the equipment, as necessary, during a technical rehearsal.

For some shows, the performers need to have individual radio microphones. Sound technicians fit the microphones before each performance and tell the performers how to use them. During performances, sound technicians operate the sound console to switch between microphones or adjust levels between them to achieve the right effect. Sound technicians are also responsible for cleaning, maintaining and repairing equipment. The equipment will usually need to be taken down after a short period, sometimes after only one night. In such cases, the sound technician is likely to be involved in loading and unloading the equipment. While on tour, technicians stay in temporary accommodation and can spend weeks away from home. In some – especially smaller – venues, technicians are responsible for both sound and lighting.

Personal qualities and skills

As a sound technician, you need:

Good, balanced hearing.
A technical knowledge of electricity and electronics.
Knowledge of the capabilities of different types of sound equipment.
To pay attention to detail and understand health and safety requirements.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
To work well in a team and on your own.
To be well organised and good under pressure.
The ability to react quickly and creatively to any problems that arise.
To be able to work unsocial hours.
Patience, concentration and focus.
A “good ear” for music.

Future skills needs have been identified for this industry. These are:

Creative skills, in areas of growth such as street arts.
Technical skills.
Leadership and management skills.
Education and community development skills.
Fundraising skills.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for sound technicians vary depending on the area of theatre they work in, whether they are employed or self-employed, and their role and responsibility. The pay rates given are approximate. Sound technicians earn in the range of £16,000 up to £35,000 for senior positions.

Sound technicians usually work a basic 39-41-hour week. However, early starts, late finishes, weekend work and working on public holidays, may all be required.

Opportunities for sound technicians occur in towns and cities throughout the UK, and in major theatre production centres such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Edinburgh. Employers are theatre companies: in touring theatre, provincial theatre and London’s West End.

Other employers include event and exhibition promoters (both indoor and outdoor). Opportunities occur for sound technicians to work abroad in touring productions.

Opportunities occur for sound technicians to work on a self-employed, freelance basis.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, in industry publications such as The Stage (weekly and online), on job boards, on employers’ websites, and on the Government’s Find a Job and Find an Apprenticeship services. There are also opportunities on websites such as:

Get into Theatre.
Arts Jobs.
National Theatre.
The Guardian - Theatre Jobs.
StarNow.

Entry routes and training

New entrants come into this career from different backgrounds, increasingly with a relevant qualification. A limited number of HNCs/HNDs, foundation degrees and degrees are available in technical theatre. There are also a number of lower-level qualifications in technical theatre. Courses in sound design are also available.

Some highly motivated people, who have an aptitude for this sort of work, can be successful without following a recognised training course. With or without a technical theatre qualification, you will benefit from gaining experience in amateur theatre.

The traditional entry to technician work with pop/rock groups is to start as a “roadie”, moving the equipment from vans into the venue and loading up again after the show. This experience may lead to acting as assistant to the technical roadie and gaining enough experience to move on. Specialist companies who hire sound equipment and staff occasionally have runner or general assistant vacancies or recruit electronics/maintenance technicians.

Some trainee technician posts are available. These posts combine on-the-job training with study for work-based qualifications. The Association of British Theatre Technicians runs relevant training courses for members. A level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship in the role of creative industries production technician is available.

Experienced sound technicians can progress to sound design work. It is also possible to move into technical management roles.

Qualifications

Entry may be possible without formal training and qualifications. However, you must have an aptitude for technical work and show that you have an active interest in music or the theatre. Useful subjects for this career include engineering, applied ICT, physics, maths and media studies. Entry requirements for technical theatre courses vary. To begin an advanced apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Late entrants are often qualified and/or have skills and abilities gained while working in a related area, such as electrical/lighting work or stage management. Others have relevant experience in the music recording industry, in studio work or electronics. A previous background as a “gofer” or runner, in theatre or the broadcast media, is useful. Working as a “roadie” in the music industry is also a useful entry route into technician work.

Some colleges relax entry requirements for applicants with relevant experience, whether paid or unpaid.

Related careers

Acoustician
Audio engineer
Audiologist
Disc jockey
Musical instrument technician
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Theatre lighting technician
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