Taping a microphone to an actor's face can mean the difference between understanding the actor's words and keeping your audience in the dark. While the mic can be placed in the actor's hair, taping a mic to the face is sometimes preferred as it keeps the microphone at a constant distance from the mouth making sound easier to pick up. This can be executed using supplies found at your local drugstore and completed in a few minutes. Such a simple step can help enhance the performance for your audience.
Things You'll Need:
- Clear Surgical Tape
- Personal Microphone
- Moleskin (Optional)
Secure the mic pack to the actor's body. Female actors can place the pack in her bra. Those of either sex can use a bandage to secure the mic or place the pack in a pocket.
Thread the microphone cord up the actor's back and into his hair or through his side burns. Secure with a bobby pin or hair clip. You can also place the microphone over the ear and onto the face, but this is usually more noticeable.
Place the mic cord on the face. Experiment with different placement to ensure the best sound quality. When you're satisfied, use clear hypoallergenic surgical tape to place it on the actor's cheek.
Cover the microphone cord with moleskin, if you feel it can still be seen. This will further help it blend into the actor's skin, although it will be noticeable up close. Those sitting away from the actor will likely not notice it.
Writer Bio
Writing since 2008, Fiona Miller has taught English in Eastern Europe and also teaches kids in New York schools about the Holocaust. Her work can be found on Overstock.com, ConnectED and various other Web sites. Miller holds a B.A. in French from Chapman University and an M.A. in educational theater from New York University.
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