Advice for first-timer on theatre show

Question

Hi there!

I have my first show as a sound operator for a theatre show coming up and want to double check my current thinking and assumptions, and hear any advice and tips the experienced folk here might have on offer. I've mixed bands, but not used radio mics or mixed a theatre show.

  1. Assuming the foldback wedges should be tuned, what's the best way to do this in a theatre context? Lavs are omni and will pickup sound from all directions, and the performers will be moving around all over the stage. I've only ever tuned foldbacks for V7s and SM58s for vocalists in a static position, so unsure what the correct method here is.
  2. What's the best way to manage radio frequencies for multiple radio mics? Say I have x range of radio spectrum to play with, is it better to space out frequencies throughout the range to minimise crossover/feedback, or to keep them closer together because I could ascertain that a smaller range is more reliable against external interference?
  3. Is dramatic theatre typically mixed 'on the fly' with faders going up and down for every line in the script, or is this sort of mixing only necessary for musical theatre? Being my first show, I'd like to keep things simple so I don't get overwhelmed.

Please let me know if there's anything else you wished you knew yourself when you were in my position !

If you think this post would be better in r/techtheatre, let me know.

Posted Sep 23, 2025, 10:10 AM UTC

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