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One of the most critical elements of a successful theater production is the importance of sound in theater. If your audience cannot hear your performers speaking or singing, then they miss important aspects of the overall story and may be dissatisfied with the show. Microphone placement is one thing that you can do to ensure that the sound of your production is heard throughout the entire theater.

Ideal Microphone Placement

Placing a microphone on a performer can be a challenge because of costume, hair and make-up and can be challenging because of how much physicality there is in the performance. The ideal location for a microphone is somewhere on a performers head – generally between the temples, but forward of the hairline. You can use hair clips to secure the microphone, and even use spray paint if needed to match it to the performer’s hair color. If you are unable to secure a microphone near the temple area, the next best place is generally toward the ear.

One thing to remember is that you will need to spend significant time before your performance planning exactly how your performers will wear and secure their microphones. Spending time talking to all of the production departments so that there are no surprises when it is time to take the stage and working closely with your crew (costume design, wardrobe, make-up, etc.) is very important. And, because sound is so important to the overall show, the more time you take to plan, the better off you will be!

The type of microphone you use for your show depends on the type of show you are producing. For example, while a boom mic is ideal for a show with an on-stage band where you want to project booming sound to your audience, it is not going to work for a dramatic, period piece with extensive dialogue and no music.   In this case, you will likely need a body worn microphone.

High Quality Microphones at An Affordable Price

SSRC Quality Theatrical Distribution can help you order the correct microphone for your next production. Our team is focused on providing the highest quality stage and lighting equipment at affordable prices. We team up with all types of performance venues including schools, hotels, performing art centers and colleges and universities to help you bring your next performance to life. For more information contact an SSRC customer care representative today.