A2 (theater)

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The A2's job is to monitor a rack similar to this.

A2 is an abbreviation for Audio Assistant, Second Audio Assistant, or Second Assistant Audio Engineer. Any of these three terms, or any similar term, may be used to describe the same set of duties.

An A2 is a stagehand who is responsible for the upkeep, acquisition, and use of microphones, backstage monitors, communication systems, and the audio system. There are typically one or two people with this job title associated with any major theatrical production making use of such audio elements. The term "A2" refers to the fact that this person is frequently the second in command on all matters relating to sound during the performance, reporting directly to the Production audio Engineer, or "A1". In addition to his or her own responsibilities, the "A2" often acts as an understudy for the "A1".

In touring theatre, the A2 is often responsible for overseeing the load-in of all backstage audio elements.

In musical theatre, the A2 may or may not be the technical liaison to the orchestra, and duties could include monitor mixing, placement and upkeep of microphones in the orchestra, and video feeds to and from the conductor.

[edit] A2 (Remote Television Production) –

On a remote television crew, the A2 is a person responsible for placement and interconnection of audio devices, such as microphones and intercom, from the Television Production Truck to the venue. Typically in larger productions, there are two or more A2s.

The “Booth-A2” is responsible for setting up and connecting audio equipment for the on-air-talent in the announcers’ booth. This equipment includes on-air announcer’s consoles, handheld-microphones and intercom stations. The Booth-A2 will assist the on-air-talent with equipment.

The “Field-A2” sets up the effects-microphones, on-air-talent microphones and intercom on the field. In sports television, these microphones are set up to capture the sounds of the game. These microphones are placed on hand-held television cameras, near goals and pointed by microphone-operators. In some sports, such as golf, there are so many microphones spread over a large venue; an audio-sub mix is required. The Field-A2 will be responsible for sub mixing microphones back to the production truck.

The “RF-A2” sometimes referred to as the “Wireless-A2” sets up wireless microphones and wireless intercom. The RF-A2 works with both the Field-A2 and the Booth-A2.

Usually in only the largest productions, there is a “Coms-A2” short for Communications-A2. This A2 is responsible for intercom and telephone communications. The Coms-A2 will work with all other A2s to get communications set up.