Theater Amplification

[MNAirHead]

Preface... I really don't care about "I like my $$$$$ head replies"


I"m most concerned about the mechics of an offbroadway play.

I was asked to be the Music Leader for an off broadway tour.

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Dumb question

-Do they commonly use IEM or Amps?
(I know it depends --- that's why I asked "commonly")

-What does the sound crew normally need?

Tim

[bassmeknik]

What show are you doing? Is the show going to be performed as it was on Broadway or is it scaled down for the local venue size, etc. How big is the theater? How many musicians in the orchestra? All of this would be important to me if I was in your shoes.

[MNAirHead]

It's a production company that has several -- unsure exactly which one.

I'm not in a gear hurry as doesn't full swing until spring.

[Lo-E]

I know you're going to hate this answer, but there's not really a 'commonly' regarding theater tours. More often than not, it comes down to the show's budget more than anything else.

Your best bet is to get in touch with your producer and ask if you can touch base with the production manager for the tour. He or she would be able to tell you who is spec'ing the sound package (hopefully it's the sound designer or, even better, the front-of-house mixer) and from there, you could discuss with that person what you'd like to see, and what they're used to doing. The two of you will probably meet somewhere in the middle.

[MNAirHead]

Thanks --- My amps are 2 sizes.. too big and too small.. more interested in how likely they're going to make me use one (vs IEM)

[Lo-E]

It's really going to depend upon how the sound designer or mixer prefers to do business, and what the production design is like. Heck, some tours don't even have the band in the pit. I've seen tours where the band is UNDER the stage in the trap room. In other shows the band is right on stage or in the wings. There just isn't a standard, I'm afraid.