Staff Highlights: Alex Farlow
Today, we would like to introduce you to the newest member of our full-time staff, Alex Farlow! As our Production Technician and Audio Assistant, you might have seen him at the soundboard at a Loft show or opening the theater for patrons. Join us in welcoming Alex to the team!
You’re new here! What were you doing before and how’d you find your way to The Music Hall?
I was working as the Audio 3 for the Ogunquit Playhouse. While working on Cabaret, I met Ian Martin, our Assistant Technical Director, and he invited me to interview for the position here at The Music Hall.
What has been your favorite show to work/ experience so far?
So far my favorite show has been Portsmouth Music and Arts Center’s Jazz Night. It is always refreshing being able to sound engineer for a group of talented local musicians.
What’s one of the biggest challenges about running audio during a live performance?
The most difficult challenge is usually troubleshooting problems with the sound system. You have to move quickly once a show has started, or right before we open the house if you want the show to start on time. It can be stressful but rewarding to quickly solve an issue that would take out critical show elements.
What is one of the most important lessons you learned about working backstage for a show?
You need to try to keep yourself centered. When you let your emotions get the better of you during a stressful event, you are only opening the door for more mistakes to be made.
You spend a lot of time backstage and up in the rafters of the theater, what do you think folks would be surprised to hear about the historic theater?
Being a historic house, our loading rail is made entirely out of wood—the strength of the wood and its ability to hold up so much weight is incredibly surprising!