Re: Theater....Wireless Mics..... The Maddness.... Tips? Help?
Mic wranglers are your friend. I forced my director to give me some (and someone to run the 177 sound cues during the show while I got to play at FoH) last year. I bought them both whatever food they wanted after every rehearsal and I'll tell you what- NO STRESS. Consistent mic placement, coordinated wireless, accurate cues, and a solid mix (at least, what I could do on a non-recall analogue).
I agree with Cameron on the fact that those locations aren't ridiculous (unless you have direction lavs - in which case I feel for you more than you can possibly imagine), but rather just unpredictable and frustrating. It's always about what works best for what you have.
But seriously. Get and train a wrangler. I never let actors (eugh) touch the microphones or body packs anyway - I always lock the body packs and tape the microphones to their face before sending them off for makeup with a stern, "don't touch."
