ABSTRACT
The sound designer and operator work together as a team, so they must have a relationship that involves good communication, patience, and trust. As they work together, a common language will develop that will enable them to understand each other more quickly and clearly. A good designer helps the operator learn about the sound system and the intention of the cues. The operator, for his part, should know that things will be changing right up to opening, and that it is the designer’s desire and responsibility to exercise different options before settling on a way to perform or run a cue. Performance is the key word here, whether the show is operated manually or via a computer-based playback system. When working with a computer system, a great programmer understands the subtleties and idiosyncrasies of the software and can translate your cue instructions into appropriate coding that will allow you to realize almost anything you hear in your mind’s ear. Like the actors, the operator must take his task to heart with each show.
