Building a Theatre Technology Budget

A practical way to plan spending on sound and projection across seasons.

Separate one-time and recurring costs

Equipment you'll own for years: wireless receivers and transmitters, mixers, speakers, projectors and lenses.
Consumables every production: batteries (or rechargeable replacements), mic tape, sweat covers, windscreens, replacement mics.
Per-show costs: rentals for extra channels or projection, licensed digital scenery.
Protection and service: warranty extensions, ShowCare, flat-rate service for older mics.

Build in phases

Start with what every show needs: reliable wireless for leads and a working mixer.
Add channels in 8-channel steps as your program grows. New racks can be coordinated with what you own.
Add projection when scenery and budget allow. Rent first to learn what your stage needs.

Rent vs. buy math

Compare the cost of renting for each production against owning the same equipment over several seasons, including protection and consumables. See Buying vs. renting.

Questions to ask before buying

Will it work with what we own (transmitter models, mixer inputs, signal cables)?
What else is required to make it work (mics, antennas, mounts, cables, batteries)?
What's the lead time, and does it fit our show date and PO approval timeline?
Who supports it if it fails during a run? What's the warranty, and what happens after it?
Can it be added to later?
Who will operate it, and do they need training?

Getting it approved

Request a formal, itemized quote for your business office, and send your tax-exempt certificate.