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Your sound system fails during a live performance. How do you swiftly ensure the show goes on seamlessly?

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Imagine the lights are bright, the audience is captivated, and suddenly, the sound system sputters to silence. In the world of theatrical production, this is a nightmare scenario. But fear not; you can handle this! With a clear head and swift action, even the most unexpected technical hiccup can be managed to keep your live performance on track. The key is to stay calm, be prepared, and have a contingency plan that can be executed seamlessly. As you read on, you'll discover practical steps to ensure the show goes on, even when your sound system fails you at the worst possible moment.

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1 Quick Assessment

When your sound system fails, the first step is to quickly assess the situation. Determine whether it's a total failure or a partial one. Is it a blown speaker, a power outage, or a malfunctioning microphone? Identify if the issue can be resolved immediately or if you'll need to implement a backup plan. Communication is crucial; use hand signals or talkback systems to discreetly inform the technical crew and cast of the issue. Keeping the audience unaware of the problem helps maintain the illusion of a seamless performance.

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David Smith

Composer, Sound Designer, Professor, Virtual Orchestra, Blended Reality, Violin Machine operator, former academic dean
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In any system design, it is critical to include redundancy and backup. This implies the development of either parallel system components, or replacement components. Sometimes budget does not allow for an entire backup system. BUt certainly plan for backups for components that are multiple (cables, microphones, etc), always have a few extra channels open in the mixing board, and sometimes have alternate system (floor shotgun mics in the event of a wireless failure). Equally important is the ability to quickly assess what part of the system has failed. If EVERYTHING fails then probably other parts of the show system (lighting, show control, projection) may have failed also.

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Coltus Black

Musician
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We had a gig at a large outdoor venue once and a passing thunderstorm fried our primary laptop. Luckily we had backups and after about twenty minutes the show progressed smoothly.

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2 Backup Plan

A sound system failure doesn't have to be a showstopper if you have a backup plan in place. This should include alternative audio equipment such as spare microphones, an auxiliary sound system, or even pre-recorded tracks that can be played. Swiftly switching to this backup system can prevent prolonged silence. Ensure all cast and crew know the backup procedures and can transition smoothly. Practice this transition during rehearsals so that if a failure occurs, everyone remains calm and the show continues without a hitch.

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Coltus Black

Musician
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We always have a specific road case that contain all backup technology: laptop, cables, interfaces, adapters and even an external backup drive.

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3 Manual Cues

If the sound system cannot be restored quickly, you may need to revert to manual sound cues. This involves using visual cues for lighting or set changes that usually rely on audio prompts. The stage manager can take charge, using flashlights or hand signals to cue actors and technicians. This method requires a well-rehearsed cast and crew who are adaptable and can perform without relying on the usual audio cues. It's a testament to the professionalism and preparedness of your team when they can keep the performance flowing under these circumstances.

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Coltus Black

Musician
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we always make sure we rehearse visual cues during rehearsal on the chance that something will go wrong during the performance. This way we'll be ready if the inevitable happens!

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4 Audience Engagement

Engage the audience by turning the technical difficulty into an interactive experience, if appropriate for the show. This could involve actors improvising or directly addressing the audience to keep them entertained while the issue is being resolved. It's essential to maintain the energy of the performance and keep the audience immersed in the experience. This approach not only buys you time but also demonstrates your cast's versatility and commitment to providing an unforgettable experience, no matter what happens backstage.

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Coltus Black

Musician
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All our actors are skilled improvisors and know that an unexpected issue may arise during a live performance when we'll need to go off-script and keep the audience engaged while the problem is fixed.

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5 Silent Scenes

Utilize silent scenes or pantomime to bridge the gap while the sound system issue is being fixed. These moments can be part of the planned performance or improvised by the actors. Silent scenes can maintain the narrative flow and give technicians time to troubleshoot without the audience realizing there's a problem. This technique requires quick thinking and creativity from the performers but can result in some of the most memorable and unique moments of the show.

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Coltus Black

Musician
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If a problem arises with our sound system, sometimes we will add or extend a choreographed dance scene to continue to tell the story while the issue is being fixed. The audience always loves it.

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6 Professional Composure

Maintaining professional composure throughout the ordeal is vital. The cast and crew should continue their performances as if nothing is amiss. This confidence will reassure the audience that everything is under control. Behind the scenes, technicians should work diligently to resolve the sound issue, but outwardly, the show must go on with poise and grace. This level of professionalism will often lead the audience to believe that any irregularities were part of the show's design.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Tom Evans

Entertainment Professional
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In a production I directed of The Diviners we were on tour and sbout 9/10th of the way through the play when the sound tape broke. The sound operator informed me and at a good moment in the action I stood up and using my biggest voice told the audience exactly what had happened, assured them that the climactic scene would not be effective without sound and asked them to wait patiently until the tape was repaired. They did so. Years later I met someone in that audience who was eager to tell me, "It was a magnificent moment in the theatre. Nothing wss spoken in the audience lest we break the spell the play was casting." It's a lie that "the show must go on." Sometimes it absolutely must stop.

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Your sound system fails during a live performance. How do you swiftly ensure the show goes on seamlessly?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Quick Assessment

2 Backup Plan

3 Manual Cues

4 Audience Engagement

5 Silent Scenes

6 Professional Composure

7 Here’s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

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Your sound system fails during a live performance. How do you swiftly ensure the show goes on seamlessly?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Quick Assessment

2 Backup Plan

3 Manual Cues

4 Audience Engagement

5 Silent Scenes

6 Professional Composure

7 Here’s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

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感谢您的反馈

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