Rigging lighting remains a strenuous task of choosing and physically moving heavy units that have to be adapted from show to show. The dimmer board, however, has been replaced with computer controller interfaces and programs that take much of the confusion out of patching lights. Each lighting cue can be programmed to extents not possible by a single operator with manual systems. Actors can rely on lighting effects being identical each performance.
Gone are the days when sound technicians struggled with a pair of reel-to-reel tape recorders and a mixer to deliver sound cues. Software can overlap layers of sound cues independently of each other, while routing output from multiple sources such as sound cards. Fades can be fixed or selectable, to match variance in performances night to night. Digital editing has made the sound designer's job easier with the ability to stretch, splice and alter cues in nearly limitless fashion.
Computer-aided design (CAD) software is a logical match for the set designer. Being able to load a theater's stage, then play with walls, risers and other design elements in a 3-D CAD environment, adds flexibility to the set designer's job. Layers under the finished design can create framing plans and blueprints for the set builders to use.
Subscription list management, online ticket sales and email marketing are some of the theater-related functions that office computers can now provide. Integrated software is available that will handle both lighting and audio cues as well as controlling other equipment such as digital light projectors or Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) devices.