My Job Role

We Will Rock You

(My Job Role)

Sound Operator

As a sound operator you would ensure that the levels of the microphones where correct and making sure that there all in working order. Also the sound operator is responsible for setting up the equipment and putting it away. As well as setting and checking the microphones they would be in charge of the level of the tracks.  When carrying out this job role I had to make sure that there was an equal balance between microphones and the tracks which meant that it was important for me to have a good knowledge of the tracks prior to the dress rehearsal. 

Sound Operator Intentions

For this job role I intend to have a detailed understanding of the musical. This would help me with going in to the rehearsal process as I would know the dynamics of the tracks which would allow me to start to gain an understanding of which microphones would be on for each track. This would allow me to have a basic understanding of the levels the microphones should be at to provide an equal mix. Organisation is a key skill that is required throughout the process of the show. For example, I would create a mic table as shown below:

1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8

This table is clearly marked 1-8 this is so the crew back stage can easily understand which microphone is which instead of looking at the back of the microphone pack. Also the microphone plot will be placed behind the table on the back wall this is also to inform the crew which microphones are swapped with who.  

When organising for the sound desk I used a lx tape to mark the characters which made it easier for me to identify which fader represented each mic and this was important because time was limited and organising it in this way made it easier for me.

·      Rehearsals

I did not need to attend rehearsals.

·      Rigging

I did not need to attend rehearsals.

·      Plotting

I did not need to attend rehearsals.

·      Tech rehearsals

In rehearsals I worked with the DSM to store sound levels for each microphone. This made it easier to process the mic levels on the night of the show.

·      Dress rehearsals

During dress rehearsals I needed to ensure that everything was ready for the show by checking that all cues were right.

Issues and Resolutions

One issue I faced during the show was that the qualities of the microphones were poor, which caused distortions meaning that I had to increase the microphone levels to overcome this issue. The resolution to this was to purchase new microphones.

 Footloose

 (My Job Role)

Stage Manager

As a stage manager you have one of the most responsible job roles within the industry. As a stage manager you oversee all jobs such as Deputy Stage Manager (DSM) Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) and the communication between cast and crew. During the rehearsal process the Stage manager or the Assistant stage manager would be responsible for writing down specific sound or lighting cues. When the show moves into the theatre the stage manager will always be in charge of ‘The Book’ during rehearsal to cue the actors and to write down any last minute ideas or technical ideas for example they might want a car engine sound effect, which is a lot longer than the original sound effect. The stage manager calls all technical cues, once the technical rehearsal has started or the show has started he or she would communicate with the stage, lighting and sound crew via headset.

The stage manager also gives the cast there call time which is usually half and hour and then 15 minute, then 5 minutes to get into places. They would also call the cast at the interval.  Once the show has opened the stage manager would then be in charge of the show technically and also in charge of the cast. If anything goes wrong it’s the stage managers responsibility to see that problems are corrected,  for example if there is a prop on the wrong side of the stage the stage manager would then be responsible for getting the prop on the right side, they would do this by getting one the crew to collect it from the other side.

Stage Manager Intentions

My intentions of being a stage manager is that I want to be organised throughout the process for example before show week I want there to be daily targets for my crew.  One reason for this is because there is limited time. Communication is key so I am going to get everyone’s email address and Phone numbers. Monday of every week I want they’re to be a crew meeting to keep everyone informed of what still needs to be done and what has been done.  I want my script to be well annotated so anyone can look at it at anytime and understand what needs to be done and what has been done. 

·      Rehearsals

The stage Manager does not necessarily need to attend rehearsal it would in fact be the deputy stage manger that would then report back to the Stage Manager.     

·      Rigging

The Stage Manager would attend the rigging process however the Deputy Stage Manager would have more a prominent role. 

·      Plotting

The Stage Manager would also attend the plotting session but yet again the Deputy Stage Manager would take charge as they DSM job is to be in charge of all technical aspects of the show.

·      Tech rehearsals

The Stage Manager would make sure that everything was in order ready for the dress rehearsal.

·      Dress rehearsals

At the dress rehearsal stage the Stage Manager would be in charge of the whole show. For example the call times would be announced at the beginning of the show.

Issues and Resolutions

One issue that I faced was time, I only had three weeks to get all props and all technical aspects of the show ready, this meant that we were behind on the daily targets but still managed to get it done. 

Another Problem that I faced was that the crew didn’t have a full understanding of the musical as we only had one full dress run. One way that I resolved this was by having a meeting with the crew and gave them scripts and marked what props needed to beware and what set needs to be on stage at which time.