“Time and again as a regular reviewer at Fringe Festivals and of fringe theatre, I have witnessed audio flakiness and even meltdown. It can ruin a show and a performance.” Paul Levy
Whether it is a radio mic making crunsching noises, or even cutting out, or background music drowning out some important dialogue, whether floor level microphones are picking up the stomping of feet on the stage, or microphone stands suddenly collapsing, audio meltdown can, and does, degrade or even ruin a fringe show. In this podcast, FringeReview editor Paul Levy highlights the importance of getting your audio right.
Ten things (among many that can go wrong) audio-wise in a Fringe show
- Microphone Failure
Mics may cut out completely due to battery issues, loose cables, or poor-quality equipment, leaving performers unheard in key moments. - Feedback Screech
Poor mic placement or gain settings can cause loud feedback loops, a piercing screech that disrupts the show and hurts audience ears. - Unbalanced Sound Levels
Music or pre-recorded sound effects may drown out dialogue or punchlines, especially if there’s no live sound operator to monitor levels. - Missed Sound Cues
Sound effects or music cues can be triggered too late, too early, or not at all, throwing off comedic timing or disrupting dramatic tension. - Mic Rustling or Clothing Noise
Clip-on mics can pick up the rustle of costumes or accidental touching, creating distracting sounds or muffling speech. - Background Venue Noise
Sounds from neighbouring shows, street noise, or bar service in shared venues can bleed into the space and compromise audio clarity. - Performer Proximity Issues
Performers may wander away from fixed mic zones or fail to project in non-mic’d venues, leading to inaudible speech for parts of the audience. - Inconsistent Volume Between Performers
In ensemble shows, different vocal projections, inconsistent mic technique, or mismatched mic setups can cause some actors to be too quiet or too loud. - Technical Operator Error or Absence
Fringe venues often lack dedicated tech staff, so under-rehearsed or volunteer operators may make mistakes in cueing or balancing sound. - Playback Device Glitches
Sound playback from laptops, phones, or budget tech can freeze, skip, or disconnect – especially with dodgy Bluetooth connections or outdated software.
