What the Pro's Don't Do

Thought I might share this weekend with you, just in case you're 
interested - and to invite some constructive comments.

Picture the show;

28 kids between 8-11 years, each with a line or three and a part in a
song. 
The client wants all the Mums and Dads to hear every word that every
little 
angel performs (and they WERE great, actually).  Problem is budget - can't

afford more than 16 radios, to share between 28 kids.  Oh, and by the way,

there's actually twice that many, i.e. 2 performances - different kids in 
each.

Many long hours spent working out a mic swap schedule that volunteer mums 
will understand.  More hours spent fabricating headsets for small heads 
(using Lavs, Alice Bands, garden wire and spiral cable wrap) that won't
fall 
off but that are quick to change in the wings.

More long hours spent constructing a show soundtrack, including 23 backing

tracks and 13 or so sound effects.

Even more long hours spent rehearsing all of this lot with the kids.

Come the day, soundcheck reveals (no surprise) that setting trim gains via

the PFL meter is a waste of time - they will do no more than whisper
during 
the soundcheck - and when they have a solo line or song to sing - but will

YELL THEIR HEADS OFF when they're all singing together.  Client can't
afford 
16 channels of compression (yours truly slightly thankful - could I manage

16 channels of compression?) so compression is done on the fly -
re-trimming 
and fader jockeying.

All seems well, except that swinging belt packs from lav cables tends to
be 
terminal (thanks, volunteer mums) so several mild panics when lavs go on
the 
blink and get very noisy.  (thank God I provided spares - they all got 
used!).

So we got through two performances (just) and everyone was delirious.  I
got 
to exercise my new L.U.C.A.S. system for the first time and it exceeded
all 
of my expectations.

I am now knackered and having a quiet day off, but with a warm glow.  Will
I 
do it again next year - probably.

But I think I might insist on a rack full of 
compressors........................... just to save my nerves.


Cheers

Chas.

ps: No, I didn't get paid - at least not with folding money.  But somehow
I 
feel rewarded....................