LVA High School Musical

High School Musical was my fourth show with this group. My responsibilities as Technical Director included training student actors and stagehands in proper microphone and stage techniques, operating all audio systems during shows, budgeting for and designing an auxiliary wireless microphone system, establishing a reliable intercom system, and multiple other tasks throughout the rehearsals and run of the show. Because the production was put on by a school, the venue presented a set of unique challenges. While the performance area is well suited to the task of carrying a full scale production, the house sits in an athletic gym with extremely reflective properties for both lighting and sound. Creating a soundscape with vocal and musical clarity as the cast moved around the space was a healthy test. The console and supporting equipment rack are both poorly maintained on the school district's budget, creating another set of trials to work through during events. Shows at this venue are always a welcome challenge during which I get a chance to hone my problem solving, damage control, and mixing skills in a production environment similar to a Broadway playhouse. Unfortunately, due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the run of the show was canceled just before the first performance.