During the rehearsal period we had to transfer the main into the auditorium so that the crew could set up and experience the sound as the audience will hear it.

For a few years we moved over to using an AKAI S5000 sampler as we were able to operate this remotely from the auditorium via midi.

With advances in computer power and software development, we implemented a PC-based system in 2005. We are able to control the main PC remotely from the auditorium using a standard 100Mbit/s network and this has enabled us to reduce set-up time and has allowed us the scope for more complex Sound design- without ever forgetting that the purpose is to augment the production and enhance the audience experience without distraction.  

We have loudspeakers in the 4 corners of the Auditorium and also on stage.

The auditorium seats 156 people and is small enough to make sound re-inforcement unnecessary.

The main function is to provide music and sound effects.We also have a hearing loop and standard Techpro communications system.

We are always on the look-out for people with an interest in this area of Theatre, please contact me as below for more information.

  to see an example of a Sound Cue Sheet

Tony Matthews Writes ...

I am most impressed by the Talisman Website Info about the sound system.
Remote control from the auditorium, what a luxury! You might like to
see the attached photo of the sound box at the rear of the auditorium at
the old theatre under Talisman Square as it was in the mid 1950s after a
rebuild. Sorry about the quality, but it is scanned from a 50 year old
colour slide and is almost certainly the only one that exists.. Ignore
the two speakers, the whole system was mono. The original 78rpm turn
tables had been replaced by the latest long playing three speed models
and there was a simple passive resistance mixer . The central console
has the preamplifiers for two Leak valve amplifiers. The main one must
have been all of an enormous 30 watts and was switched by means of
telephone key switches at the top of the console to speakers each side
of the proscenium arch, or to a speaker mounted above the stage, or to
one of the speakers shown above the window to the auditorium. The second
amplifier picked up the sound from a microphone over the stage and
relayed it to the other speaker shown, and also to the dressing rooms at
the rear of the stage.

Even then the Talisman was using the peak of modern technology in the
form of my reel to reel tape recorder running at 71/2 ips. ( Many people
had never heard their own voice in those days!) We spliced lengths of
white leader tape in to show the start of cues, and could cut to a
single note by passing the tape over the heads manually. (Computer
editing is much easier and infinitely more versatile but no computers in
those days.) Communication with back stage was by ex WD field telephone,
and there was a flashing light system worked from the stage directors
position. I hope this is of interest. Regards
Tony Matthews