Lighting & Sound

Lighting

The primary function of the Lighting Department is to provide lighting and special effects. The lighting designer will produce a lighting design which they are responsible for rigging, colouring and focusing. Following the technical rehearsal and dress rehearsals the lighting designer supervises operation during performances.

Other members of the department are encouraged to help rig and operate on all productions and this is the best way for entry into stage electrics for newcomers, before taking on design responsibilities. Studio productions are an ideal starting point for people with no previous experience.

Sound

This department provides all of the director’s requirements that have any association with the production of sound.

This usually consists of music before the show and during the interval, plus any music and sound effects required during the action of the play. For musical productions the section provides sound reinforcement, generally in the form of strategically placed microphones to enhance the singing voices. Radio microphones are also used to amplify lead characters that cannot be picked up by static mikes.