by trou·ble·shoot /ˈtrəbəlˌSHo͞ot/ Verb To trace and correct faults in a mechanical or electronic system.
The most exciting thing about live performance is that anything could go wrong at any moment, and sometimes it does. How we deal with problems when they arise is what separates good theater techs from great theater techs.
“I’m Winston Wolfe, I solve problems.” ~Winston Wolfe, Pulp Fiction
The first step to troubleshooting a problem is being familiar with what can go wrong. This step has to happen BEFORE things go wrong. Make sure to reign in your list of possible problems by probability. Bad mic pack, very likely. Bears in the dressing room, less likely. Being familiar with your equipment and its quirks, rehearsing shifts and effects thoroughly, and running all dress rehearsals under show conditions will help you to know what can go wrong before it does. Fortune favors the prepared.
When something actually goes wrong, don’t panic. Panic doesn’t help anyone. If the problem is a safety issue, notify the person in charge and those in danger first. I will save emergency situations for another article. If the problem is not one that puts people in danger, such as a broken caster on a set piece, a missing prop, a broken shoe heel, or a dead lamp, you should communicate to your supervisor that there is a problem. This person is usually the stage manager, but may be a crew chief or ASM depending on the size and structure of your particular company. There may not be enough time for you to fix it and it may be more disruptive to try to fix it in the moment. Can it wait until the end of the song? The end of the act? Is it fine until tomorrow? It is important that you remember that the stage manager is concerned with all parts of the show. The SM may see that you trying to fix your problem may cause a new problem for another area. Remember that if you leave your station to fix something, it may cause you to not be where you need to be for the next thing you need to do. Report the problem and accept the answer you are given.
“Don’t panic!” ~The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
If you do need to fix the problem and you don’t know what caused it, this is where troubleshooting comes in. Always start with the quickest or simplest solution first. If you can reset a device or check that it has power before you decide to take something apart, do it. Try one solution at a time. You must be methodical. If something breaks and you don’t know why and you try five things before you test it, you won’t know which one fixed the problem.
If the quick things didn’t work, start thinking in a linear path. This is especially effective for lights and sound. Start at one end and move through each step. Where does the signal start? Where does it go next? And then what? Consider every part of the system. Also consider the likelihood of certain failures. A cable that runs near a walkway is more likely to be the problem than a cable that runs inside a wall.
When you find the problem, are you able to fix it? Do you need parts? Do you need more information? Do you have enough time? Be realistic about these questions, both with yourself and others. If you know you can fix it in 10 minutes (because you have done it before) then say so. If you aren’t sure, be honest. Don’t be a hero. If you don’t know how to fix a piece of equipment and time is of the essence, you can risk injuring yourself and further damaging the gear. No one will fault you for truthfully admitting what you don’t know. (Unless you lied about it on your resume)
Can you fix it good enough for now and then go back later and fix it the right way? This is a dangerous question. Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes a temporary fix will cause more problems. Sometimes a temporary fix will start a fire. Again, don’t be a hero. In the few safe and appropriate situations where a quick fix is the right way to go, you must remember to go back later and actually fix what you said you would fix later.
Fixing sudden problems and keeping the show going is a constant in live events. Some dread the stress of those unexpected setbacks, some get excited by the challenge. Either way things will happen, prepare as best you can and be honest with yourself and your team.
“Keep calm and carry on”
