In an attempt to boost sound engineering qualifications in the theatre industry, Orbital Sound are reintroducing their multi-day training seminars for students.

The next of these will be the two-day Sound Skills for Theatre, which will be held on October 2-3 at their headquarters in Brixton, south London.

The course will provide an intensive, hands-on look at the technologies and challenges facing theatre professionals in the rapidly advancing world of theatre sound. It will be particularly suited to students and technicians looking to develop their experience and confidence in this area.

Topics covered include show control and audio playback, radio mics, communications systems, video, and digital consoles. There will be the opportunity to talk to experienced engineers, designers, and product specialists who work at the highest levels of the industry.

Explained Orbital Sound's principle tutor, Theo Holloway, "There is a skills shortage in this area, and with some 26 pantomimes coming up for Orbital at Christmas there will be a requirement to provide 52 sound engineers.

"These courses have proved extremely popular in the past and have helped develop the stagecraft required for every type of show. At the same time we have also had personnel from some of the consolidated touring productions attend."

The two day seminar in October will be preceded (on October 1st) by a separate session on Electroacoustics hosted by one of Orbital's premier sound reinforcement suppliers, d&b audiotechnik. The fee for the course is £165 + VAT. A 50% discount is available for students (or anyone completing their education in the last six months). A 10% discount is available for members of BECTU.

To make an enquiry about, or book a place on Sound Skills for Theatre, email training@orbitalsound.co.uk , or contact Orbital Sound on +44 207 501 6868.

To book a place on the Electroacoustics Seminar, visit http://www.dbaudio.com/en/education/seminars/training_day_gb/

Sound Skills for Theatre will be followed next year by a five-day course, titled Sound Fundamentals for Theatre.