Does Broadway use microphones?

Question

I've always been pretty sure that they didn't, but I was just wondering if I was wrong. They must be really strong singers if they don't--but theatres are designed for sound to carry better so...

Just asking for confirmation.

Answer 1

They most certainly do - everything is amplified and balanced by a sound engineer.  Operas don't use mics, but the orchestra isn't amplified so it's balanced acoustically.  There's no way anyone could sing big parts like Elphaba eight times a week unmic'ed - a recipe for a ruined voice!

Answer 2

Yup. Its really easy to tell when they wind up with tech problems...

That happened last time I saw Wicked. Very amusing.

Answer 3

Yup.. They use microphones.

They're hidden very well, though.  You can sometimes see them peeking out from underneath the actor's wig or hair, in close-up photos.