The Theater Department Upgrades Their Sound System

By: Itzel Vela

The theater department’s new and improved sound system overlooks the theater's main stage. This is a significant change from the CD players, tape decks, and reel-to-reel systems that have inhabited Wright College since 1993.

Patrick Ham, design and technical theatre associate professor, recalled the strenuous process of paying attention to actors on stage. “I’d have to stick my head out of the window or open [the] door to be able to listen, [which] was less than ideal.”

Welcoming in 12 new wireless microphones and the Allen & Heath SQ-7 soundboard allows Ham to run the sound and lights from iPads regardless of where he is with the soundboard’s companion app QLab.

The soundboard inside room E310. (Photo Credit: Itzel Vela)

The new system took almost two and a half years of proposals, which consisted of talking to vendors for approximate costs, proposing budgets, and receiving bids. Getting bids from different places that ensured the most up-to-date equipment was important.

By the time they finished the process, they had landed on a fairly pared-down system using the budget that they ultimately had. The old equipment has not been discarded; acting classes will continue to use the equipment at the TV Studio to gain foundation and experience.

Ham stated that the department’s “mission is to have what the students would use if they go out into the real world. Having the [new] equipment for educational purposes helps us with that.” Wright students can now familiarize themselves with old and new sound equipment. 

Wright’s upcoming spring play, Arsenic and Old Lace, will use the new sound system to play sound effects, incidental music, and pre-show music, immersing the audience in the environment they are about to see.

Patrick Ham expressed his appreciation. “It’s been a long time, and we’ve been pushing to get this equipment updated. I’m really excited to continue to see how we can maximize it and use the equipment to its fullest potential.”

The next goal is to update the lighting, but that’s for another day.