Wireless Mic & Projector Rental for Mamma Mia!
Starting point: Most productions of Mamma Mia! need 12 to 16 wireless channels. Our starting point is the Standard 16-channel system, which covers all twelve principals with spares.
This is our suggested starting configuration, not a requirement of the show or its licensor. Your count depends on your edition, your staging and your crew.
How we got to 16 channels
Mamma Mia! has a compact principal cast that sings almost every number over a full band, so each principal needs a dedicated channel. A typical plan:
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Principals (12): Donna, Sophie, Sky, Sam, Bill, Harry, Tanya, Rosie, Ali, Lisa, Pepper, Eddie
Cover the ensemble in big numbers like “Dancing Queen” and the finale with area or choir mics. Four spare channels on a 16-channel system leave room for a featured ensemble singer or a backup pack.
This count assumes: every listed role has its own transmitter; your venue covers big ensemble numbers with area or choir mics; and there are no pack swaps. Doubling roles or swapping packs lowers the count. Miking ensemble members individually raises it.
Doubling, pack swaps and your sound operator
Two actors can share a transmitter only if they are never on stage at the same time and a crew member has time offstage to move the pack, re-fit the mic and check it. Every channel also needs attention at the mixer: one operator following a marked script can run a show this size, but bring them into rehearsals before tech week.
Recommended package
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Wireless: Standard, Good (Shure SLXD), 16 channels, with Broadway lavs: $1,695/week. Book this exact system at Broadway Media →
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Better microphones: the same 16 channels in Better (Shure QLXD or Sennheiser EW-DX) is $2,495/week, and Best (Shure ULXD) is $3,295/week. Better → Best →
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Protection plan (required): choose one at checkout at Broadway Media: a Damage Waiver at 10% of the rental ($169.50 on the Good system for one week), your organization’s certificate of insurance, or a security deposit. Compare the options →
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Shipping and longer runs: shipping is charged at checkout at Broadway Media. Each extra week is the same weekly rate, with no multi-week discount.
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You provide: a mixer with 16 free mic inputs and a sound system. Economy is the only system that includes a mixer, so a Standard system connects to yours. Check your venue →
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Range: add a wireless expansion pack (from $195/week) for each 8 channels if performers work more than about 50 ft from the rack, such as in the house aisles. View expansion pack →
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Projector: The Greek island taverna setting is simple to project and changes mood with lighting. Start with your screen width, then check mounting distance and stage light on the projector page. Compare projectors →
Mic notes for Mamma Mia!
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Loud band, pop vocals: earset mics hold their level better than lavaliers when the band is loud.
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Dance numbers: Pepper, Eddie and the ensemble dance hard in “Does Your Mother Know”; use mic belts so packs stay put.
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Swimwear and wedding looks: plan pack placement for beach and wedding costumes during fittings, not at tech.
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Donna and the Dynamos: Donna, Tanya and Rosie sing as a trio; label their channels together on the board.
Projecting the island
Scenery is licensed separately from the projector rental. Search Broadway Media’s catalog for your version of the show, then rent a projector to run it. Search scenery at Broadway Media →
Timeline
Pick a start Monday on or before the first rehearsal that needs mics. Broadway Media targets delivery by 5 p.m. local time that Monday, so plan setup and a full test during business hours that week, and book an extra week if you need the gear sooner. Book at least 9 days ahead; orders placed within 4 weeks of the start date may carry a rush charge. How renting works →
Request a quote for your Mamma Mia! production →
Mamma Mia! is a trademark of its owners. Rent Stage Gear is not affiliated with or endorsed by the show’s licensor. Photo: Mamma Mia! at Indian River High School, from Broadway Media’s production gallery.