In Conversation with Ben Collins, Production Arts Sound Engineer and Operator

Ahead of new three-day short course Introduction to Theatre Sound Engineering, we caught up with course tutor Ben Collins to ask him some questions about his work, the course and what shows he's been watching recently. 

Where are you at the moment?

Milton Court Theatre, Guildhall School

Your biography in a sentence

I’m a Production Sound Engineer and Operator and I'm currently a tutor at Guildhall School; I specialise in theatre but have also worked in music and live events.

What is Theatre Sound Engineering and what can someone expect to do as a Theatre Sound Engineer?

There are three main subsections of the Theatre Sound Engineer's role and this course provides you with an introduction to all of them. These are:

Production Sound Engineer (PSE) – Responsible for building, setting up and maintaining the microphones, sound desk, speakers and all the computer systems.

Sound Operator – Responsible for mixing a performance on the sound desk. Using EQ and balancing levels in real time to ensure the best sound possible.

Sound No.2 – Responsible for all the sound equipment on stage during a performance. Often need to think on their feet to solve problems quickly. They're also responsible for fitting microphones onto the actors before the show.

Favourite theatre show that you’ve worked on and why? 

Once: The Musical as a Sound Operator. It was musical where all the actors also played instruments so there was no traditional band which was a challenge as a Sound Operator. It's a love story, and the sound and music needed to be subtle and delicately mixed which also quite challenging.

What is the most rewarding part of being a Theatre Sound Engineer?

A theatre sound system is made up of lots of different components. When you have been responsible for putting everything together, making creative decisions and operating a show it’s very rewarding when it comes together and sounds exactly as you wanted.

Can you give us one course highlight for Introduction to Theatre Sound Engineering?

On the third day of the course, we will be working in our theatre space putting everything you've learnt into practice by building and using a full-sized theatre system.

Finally, a fun question! What’s your favourite theatre show, TV programme or film that you’ve watched recently and why?

I recently saw A Choir of Man at the Arts Theatre in London. Although there's not much of a story line, it's unapologetically about the music. It’s a light-hearted breath of fresh air and an easy watch. The sound is also excellent. It’s an actor musician show in a small space which is a tricky combination, but the sound department have done an excellent job.

About Ben Collins

Ben Collins is a Production Arts tutor in the Theatre Technology department at Guildhall School of Music & Drama. He also works as a Production Sound Engineer and Sound Operator. 

His credits as a Sound Operator include Once The Musical, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and The Invisible Man. His credits as a Production Sound Engineer include The Crucible, Worst Wedding Ever and Made in Dagenham.

Ben will lead new three-day evening course Introduction to Theatre Sound Engineering from Fri 21– Sun 23 July.