About this Event
Stepping onto a venue stage can feel intimidating! On top of performing in front of an audience, you're navigating a high-pressure technical space that often doesn't feel built for women.
Whether you’re a solo singer-songwriter or playing in a band, knowledge is power.
This practical, hands-on workshop is designed to cut through male-dominated audio culture, break down technical jargon, and hand the control directly back to you. Learn the tech, eliminate pre-show anxiety, and step onto any stage with total confidence so you can focus on what actually matters, your performance.
What We’ll Cover:
- Essential Lingo & Gear: Master the core audio terminology, signal flow, and equipment every artist should know.
- Backing Tracks on Stage: Practical routing methods for laptops, SPDs, and click tracks.
- In-Ear Monitors (IEMs): Demystify wireless packs and moving off floor wedges.
- Soundcheck 101: Learn how to communicate with sound engineers, mix monitors, understand feedback, and get the best possible on-stage sound.
- Build Your Own Tech Spec: Walk away with a professional stage plot and input list ready for promoters and venues.
Schedule:
- 10:00 AM: Doors
- 10:30 AM: Welcome & Introductions
- 11:00 AM: Key Concepts, Important Lingo, Gear You Should Know
- 1:00 PM: Lunch Break (Bring food or grab something nearby)
- 1:45 PM: Soundcheck 101 (Hands-On Stage Session & Mic Shootout)
- 3:00 PM: Comfort Break
- 3:15 PM: How to Build a Top-Tier Tech Spec
- 3:45 PM: Q&A, Round-Up & Networking
- 4:30 PM: Event Ends (Optional: Join us at the pub down the road for a post-workshop drink and chat!)
About Sound Sister Collective
Sound Sister Collective is a Brighton-based community for women and non-binary musicians, created to support connection, collaboration, and creative growth. We host a variety of events from live showcases and open mic nights to workshops and social hangouts. You can find out more at www.soundsistercollective.com or follow us on Instagram @soundsistercollective
About Your Host
This event will be led by Sound Sister Collective co-founder Ellen Walker. Ellen is a live sound engineer, electronic music producer, and performing artist. Since graduating from WaterBear in 2024, she has gone from mixing local bands in grassroots basements to working behind the desk for world-class acts including Kate Nash and The Hoosiers, as well as working behind the scenes on the production team at We Out Here Festival.
Because she is an active performer herself, Ellen knows firsthand how daunting stage tech can feel from the artist's side. She is passionate about breaking down technical gatekeeping, sharing practical insider knowledge, and giving artists the tools to own their sound and elevate their live shows.
Event Terms & Conditions
- Age Requirement & Entry: This event is strictly 18+. All attendees must be 18 years of age or older. Student / Concession ticket holders must present valid student ID or digital proof of enrollment at the door upon request.
- Tickets, Refunds & Transfers: All ticket sales are final and non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the organiser. If you can no longer attend, you may transfer your ticket to another person by contacting the event organisers in advance.
- Event Changes & Cancellation: In the rare event of cancellation, full refunds for the ticket face value will be issued. The organiser and facilitators are not responsible for any external travel, accommodation, or personal expenses incurred.one
- Health, Safety & Personal Belongings: Attendees must adhere to all safety guidelines and instructions provided by workshop facilitators and venue staff, and handle all technical audio equipment with due care. Attendees are responsible for the security of their personal belongings at all times. The organiser accepts no liability for loss, damage to personal property, or personal injury, except where caused by proven negligence on our part.
- Emergency & Exit Protocol: For safety and accounting purposes in the event of an emergency, any attendee needing to leave the workshop early must inform an event organiser at the check-in desk before departing the building.
- Sound Levels & Hearing Protection: We are committed to keeping audio demonstrations at safe, comfortable listening levels. Complimentary earplugs are available at the venue desk, and attendees are welcome to step away or take breaks as needed.
- Accessibility Information: The main workshop space is located in the basement down a flight of stairs (no lift access). Toilets and a quiet break-out space are located upstairs on the ground floor. If you have specific access or neurodivergent requirements, please contact us prior to the event so we can best support your visit.
- Code of Conduct & Safe Space: We operate an inclusive, safe, and supportive learning environment for all participants. By attending, you agree to uphold the . We reserve the right to refuse admission or ask anyone to leave who engages in disruptive, harassing, discriminatory, or unsafe behaviour without a refund.
- Photography & Media: Photo and video documentation may take place during the workshop for promotional and archival purposes. If you prefer not to appear in media, please inform our team at the upstairs check-in desk upon arrival so we can provide an opt-out marker.
Event venue & nearby stays
The Waterbear Music BAr, 14-17 Manchester Street, Brighton, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.