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A microphone will be provided to you at the start of each show. It is recommended that you head to the audio desk as soon as possible after arriving at the theatre to avoid a backlog/ delays near the start of the show. The microphones consist of a small mic pack (receiver) that will be strapped to your body using a fabric/ velcro pouch with a cable and small microphone over your ear and taped down.
Please look after the microphones. They are very expensive and are the property of Old Nick. In particular, avoid ‘falling’ on top of them as this is a common cause of damage.
Tape
Tape
The tape can sometimes cause irritation and/or come off - for that reason the sound desk team may have a number of tapes to choose from and you may need to request different tapes until you find the one that’s best for you.
How does it work?
How does it work?
The microphones will be powered on and sending audio back to the sound deck at all times while you are wearing it. The sound tech then 'mutes' your audio channel. Part of the sound engineers job is to time the show and also use 'cues' so that your microphone will automatically 'unmute' when you are due to deliver lines or sing.
This system is not perfect! The show can change slightly night-to-night (increased laughter, shorter pauses etc), therefore, it is not uncommon for your mic to be on a few seconds either before or after your 'usual' line.
It is best practice to stay silent any time that you are in the wings as you will be unaware as to when your microphone is 'live' or 'muted'.
In particular, do not speak (unless scripted) as you are going off stage for example "argh i stuffed up that line" as the audience may hear this through your mic!!
Technical Issues
Technical Issues
If anything goes wrong with your microphone during the show - continue with the scene speaking loudly and clearly. At your earliest offstage opportunity return to the soundesk where they will be waiting to troubleshoot your microphone and/or swap it out for a new one.
Mic Check
Mic Check
At the start of each night you will be asked to go to the stage for a sound check. This involves singing a short piece from a song and often your ‘loudest’ and ‘quietest’ lines from the show so that the microphone can be tested and the volume adjusted.
Top Tip:
If you can’t think of what to sing for mic check create a playlist of your favourite karaoke songs or use it to practise a tricky part of a song from the show!
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