Theatre Soundboard Guide

How Do Theatre Productions Use Soundboard Apps?

The sound operator sits at the tech table (usually at the back of the house or in a booth) and advances through cues as the show progresses. Each cue fires at a specific moment tied to stage action, dialogue, or lighting changes. The operator's job is to press GO at the right time, not to search for the right sound file.

LitPads is the only soundboard app with built-in setlist mode. Other soundboard apps require the operator to locate and trigger individual pads during the show, which introduces human error when dozens of cues must fire in sequence over a two-hour production.

How Does Setlist Mode Work for Theatre?

Manual advance waits for the operator to press GO. This is the default for cues tied to specific stage moments. Auto-advance fires the next cue when the current cue's audio finishes. This works for sequences where one sound leads directly into the next (e.g., a phone ring followed by a dial tone). Timed advance fires the next cue after a configurable delay (0.5 to 30 seconds), which works for automated crossfades between ambient scenes.

Cue notes display operator instructions directly in the performance view. Notes like "wait for applause to die down," "cue after lights dim," or "start on actor's exit stage left" tell the operator exactly when to press GO without referring to a separate cue sheet.

The QLab alternative comparison covers how LitPads setlist mode compares to dedicated show control software for productions that need more than audio cues.

How Do You Build a Theatre Setlist in LitPads?

• Import audio cues as pads on one or more boards
• Create setlist in show order drag and drop to reorder
• Assign pad references or standalone files to each cue
• Add operator notes visible during performance

Cue items can reference existing pads from any board or import standalone audio files directly. Pad references inherit the pad's EQ, volume, trim, and pitch settings. Changes to a pad's processing automatically apply when the setlist triggers that pad. Standalone audio items have their own independent volume and trim settings.

Multiple items per cue fire simultaneously. A scene transition cue might trigger background music (from the music board), a door slam effect (from the effects board), and ambient wind noise (from the ambient board) all at once when the operator presses GO.

Can You Run a Theatre Show from iPad?

iPad portability is a significant advantage over Mac-only solutions. The sound operator can move between the tech table during rehearsal and backstage during the show. The same setlist, pads, and settings work on both devices if the operator also has the Mac version.

Background playback ensures audio continues if the iPad screen locks. Lock screen controls provide play/pause/stop without unlocking. Haptic feedback confirms each GO press physically, which helps operators working in dark tech booths.

What Types of Theatre Productions Use LitPads?

Community theatres and school productions benefit most because they typically lack the budget for professional show control software. LitPads at $14.99 covers the core audio cue workflow that these productions need. The sound cue software comparison guide covers how LitPads compares to QLab and other show control options for different production scales.

Worship services use setlist mode for background pads during prayer, transition music between songs, and audio clips for sermon illustrations. The timed advance mode automates crossfades between ambient pads without manual operator intervention.

Improv shows and comedy nights use the pad grid directly (not setlist mode) because the sound effects are not pre-determined. The operator scans the pad grid and fires effects in response to stage action, which is the traditional soundboard workflow. The live performance soundboard guide covers both structured and improvised performance workflows.