FOH (Front of House)
FOH (Front of House) in theater and live events refers to any area or role that deals with the audience-facing side of a production. This includes managing sound and lighting from the audience perspective, as well as coordinating everything the audience sees and hears during a show. The term distinguishes these roles from "backstage" or "behind the scenes" positions. FOH professionals ensure that the show sounds and looks great from where the audience sits, making critical decisions about audio mixing, lighting adjustments, and overall show quality from the audience's viewpoint.
Examples in Resumes
Mixed audio at FOH position for 200+ live concerts and theatrical productions
Managed Front of House sound operations for national touring productions
Lead FOH engineer responsible for audio mixing and system optimization at major festivals
Typical job title: "FOH Engineers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find FOH Engineers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle a difficult touring schedule while maintaining sound quality across different venues?
Expected Answer: A senior FOH engineer should discuss venue analysis, advance planning, system optimization for different spaces, and maintaining consistent quality despite varying acoustic environments. They should mention team leadership and problem-solving skills.
Q: What's your approach to training junior sound engineers while managing a complex production?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership abilities, teaching methods, and how they balance mentoring with maintaining show quality. Should include examples of successful training experiences and knowledge transfer techniques.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you deal with unexpected technical issues during a live show?
Expected Answer: Should explain troubleshooting processes, backup plans, and quick problem-solving strategies while maintaining show flow. Should demonstrate knowledge of common technical issues and their solutions.
Q: Describe your process for setting up a sound system in a new venue.
Expected Answer: Should discuss room assessment, equipment setup procedures, sound check processes, and how they adapt to different acoustic environments.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What's your experience with different types of microphones and their placement?
Expected Answer: Should show basic understanding of common microphone types, proper handling, and standard placement techniques for various instruments and vocals.
Q: How do you communicate with performers during a sound check?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic knowledge of professional communication, understanding of performer needs, and ability to follow standard sound check procedures.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic sound board operation
- Cable management and setup
- Understanding of audio signal flow
- Basic microphone techniques
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced mixing techniques
- Digital console programming
- Sound system optimization
- Troubleshooting skills
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex production management
- Tour management experience
- Staff training and supervision
- Advanced system design
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience with live mixing
- Poor communication skills
- Lack of knowledge about basic audio equipment
- No experience with digital mixing consoles
- Unable to work under pressure or handle last-minute changes
Related Terms
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