Open Stage - An Event In Theatre Sound

On Thursday 12 May, a unique event in theatre sound is taking place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) in central London. 

OpenStage is the first forum of its kind for theatre sound designers and engineers, inviting them to  engage with designers and engineers from six prominent manufacturers of audio technology and software, and discuss the latest developments and ideas for the future

d&b audiotechnik, Roland Systems Group, Shure, TTA, RTS Telex and Figure 53 (known for QLab) are jointly hosting the event, which will be a mix of presentations, Q&As and discussions, as well as some new-to-the-UK products to play around with.

Any theatre professional or student of technical theatre is invited to attend the OpenStage forum at RADA’s Jerwood-Vanbrugh Theatre, and the event’s hosts are keen to stress…..it is not a tradeshow!  Rather it is an opportunity for dialogue, feedback, education and inspiration within one of the most exciting sectors of the entertainment industry.

The programme will include short presentations on:
- integrating QLab show control with performer localisation and tracking,
- frequency agility in wireless mic technology (Shure is bringing its new Axient radio microphones),
- the falling costs of digital audio infrastructure and control (including first sight in the UK of Roland’s new console), 
- the latest reports on the big spectrum sell-off and what happens next for radio licenses,
- what’s the latest news on comms in theatre? (RTS Telex is promising to give us a first look at some important new technology from the Bosch labs).
- and the experts from d&b will be clarifying some of the mysteries of electroacoustics, and offering a bit of blue-sky thinking about the future of theatre sound.

OpenStage is free, but places are limited, so must be reserved in advance. There will be small product workshops in addition to main seminars, plenty of toys to play with, and boffins to talk to.  The day’s programme runs between 9.30am-5.00pm, and tickets can be reserved here.

Alternatively, visit the OpenStage Facebook page to see the agenda firming up. Host companies say they’re open to any good suggestions for discussion topics…

Openstage Facebook