What is the work like?
As a sound engineer, you would control the sound in
live events such as theatre performances and music concerts. You
would operate microphones, amplifiers and control desks to balance
the sound levels, and if necessary you might also provide
background music and sound effects.
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 may find it useful to understand physics and
electronics.
When looking for your first job, you should have practical
experience of using sound equipment. Taking a relevant college
course could help with this, or you could also
build experience through:
- helping backstage in a theatre
- 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.
Many sound engineers start by taking a course in technical
theatre, music technology or sound engineering, to develop skills
before looking for work. Courses include:
- City & Guilds 7503 Certificate or Diploma in Sound and
Music Technology
- BTEC National Certificate or 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.
Click
here
and
here
to read sound engineer career case studies, from the Arts
Council's Get Into Theatre website.
What further training and development can I do?
You would learn on the job from experienced sound engineers,
developing your skills with each production.
You can also take short professional training courses in areas
like new equipment, rigging 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:
- Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT)
- Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA).
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?
PO Box 7966
Reading
RG6 7BP
http://www.isce.org.uk
http://www.getintotheatre.org
http://www.creative-choices.co.uk
373-377 Clapham Road
London
SW9 9BT
http://www.bectu.org.uk
Redoubt House
1 Edward Road
Eastbourne
BN23 8AS
Tel: 01323 524120
http://www.plasa.org
249 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2JX
Tel: 020 7407 3686
http://www.ncdt.co.uk
55 Farringdon Road
London
EC1M 3JB
Tel: 020 7242 9200
http://www.abtt.org.uk
Lafone House
The Leathermarket
Weston Street
London
SE1 3HN
http://www.creative-choices.co.uk
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
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Inexperienced trainees may start on around £12,000 to
£16,000 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 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.
