Theater Radios

There’s so much more that goes into a theater than the actors on the stage or a big production on the screen. And if the behind the scenes crew is doing its job correctly, the audience will never know that.

Communication is absolutely essential, for everyone from the stage manager to the lighting crew to the ushers, ticket takers, projectionists, and concession stand workers.

By maintaining constant, discreet communication using a two way radio, you can have your entire theater running like a well-oiled machine.

But, what is the best two way radio for your theater?

You're in the right place. This is the ultimate theater radio resource guide, and we’re committed to helping you find the best radio that suits the specific needs of your theater.

Of course, not every radio on this list is going to be right for every theater. We’ve highlighted three of the very best theater radios for you below and we encourage you to reach out to us directly if you have any questions.

We’d be happy to provide one on one assistance to help you find the radio that fits your theater’s needs and budget. Contact us via live chat on our website, by phone at 888-925-5982, or fill out our contact form for additional help.

If you see the radio you want, contact us for a free quote specifically tailored to your theater’s needs.

Here are some of the features that you should be looking for in a theater radio:

• Works well inside. We recommend UHF and Digital band radios only
• Antimicrobial properties. These are typically shared devices and you want to curb the spread of dangerous bacteria.
• Message alerts
• Durability
• Private communications

Our Top Radio Recommendations

Motorola CLS1410

The Economical Choice

One of the first radios that you should consider for your theater is the Motorola CLS1410. This is a UHF radio with a very descriptive name. CLS stands for clear, light, and simple, which sums up the benefits of this device perfectly.

 

The CLS1410 has four channels that can be used to separate stage crew, ushers, concessions, lighting crews, or other equally important groups within your theater team.

This device has a 15-floor range indoors, which is perfect for even the largest broadway theater.

It even has Vibracall alerts, meaning that messages won’t sound off in the middle of a production. This is similar to the vibration notification setting on a cell phone.

Setting up this radio is easy as it is designed for simplified cloning.

It even features a keypad lockout feature, so if a device is misplaced and found by someone outside of your organization, they won’t be able to access its features.

The CLS1410 has an 18-hour battery life thanks to a rechargeable Li-ion battery, which comes standard in every device.

In order to secure communications and keep the line clear, it uses 83 digital and 38 analog private lines along with 121 interference eliminator codes. This radio also operates on 56 business exclusive frequencies.

Motorola Curve

Overall Best for Distance and Size

The Motorola Curve is a digital band radio. That means it works well inside, but it is also going to save you money in the long run. That’s because there are no FCC license fees associated with the use of these devices.

 

But aside from cost savings, this radio has 10 different channels for effective theater staff segmentation. At just over four ounces, the device is easy to carry around and won’t be cumbersome for ushers or stage hands.

With an indoor range of 20 floors or 300,000 square feet, you’ve got plenty of elbow room.

Your communications are also going to be protected, thanks to the Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum technology that safeguards your communications. It also comes with 10,000 privacy codes to further secure your conversations.

Both Page All and Call All Available features are available with the Curve. These important features are ideal in an emergency situation, like if someone were to collapse in the lobby.

There is also a Direct Call feature, so that you can contact one stage hand or spotlight operator directly without reaching the entire channel.

This device has a 14-hour battery life with the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery that comes with every handset.

What’s more, the radio’s Antimicrobial coating won’t allow for the spread of germs throughout your team or to the cast.

Finally, this device features Military Grade durability. That means if a stagehand drops it, there won’t be any major issues.

Motorola RMU2040

The Most Durable Theater Radio

Over the years, theaters of all sizes have made good use out of the Motorola RMU2040. It’s a UHF radio that features four different channels for effective segmentation.

 

The indoor range of this device is 20 floors or 250,000 square feet. That makes it perfect for a large theater with multiple levels.

This is a highly durable military grade radio, so, in the event that it is dropped while striking a set everything is going to be alright.

This is another radio with Antimicrobial properties on the casing to stop germs from spreading through the workplace.

It also has 219 privacy codes to eliminate interference/crosstalk along with 99 UHF frequencies exclusive to businesses.

If you’re looking for a strong radio, the Motorola RMU2040 might be a good bet. Contact us now for a free personalized quote.

Which Theater Radio Do You Need?

The Best Radio for a Large Professional Theater

If you’re running a large professional theater, like those found on Broadway, we recommend the awesome power of the Motorola RMU2040.

It is a UHF device with four channels and an indoor range of up to 250,000 square feet. That’s ideal for a large theater with a balcony.

It comes with a rechargeable long lasting battery, so it won’t die in the middle of a show.

It’s also one of the most durable radios in the world. Your employees can drop it or be rougher with it throughout the theater environment, and this radio will not break.

The Best Radio for a Small Community Theater

For your small community theater, we highly recommend the Motorola CLS1410. It’s a UHF Radio that, by its own name, ensures that you’ll receive clear, light, and simple communications that will be perfect for high traffic movie theaters. It’s also one of the most cost friendly options.

This radio has four channels to separate lobby workers, ushers, techs, directors, or any other group you want to create.

You also have a 15-floor range indoors, which is perfect for a community theater.

Vibracall alerts are included with this device, meaning that messages won’t sound off in the middle of a performance.

It also uses simplified cloning for a supremely easy setup.

It has an 18-hour battery life and protects your communications with 83 digital and 38 analog private lines, 121 interference eliminator codes, and 56 business exclusive frequencies.

The Best Radio for a Movie Theater

Movie theaters would do well with the Motorola Curve. It blends small size with distance and durability. This digital band device will save your theater money on FCC license fees every year, freeing up more budget for other matters.

You’ll have a full six channels to utilize during the work day, which is more than enough.

With the provided channels you can properly segment your crew. Concessions can have their own channel along with ushers, janitorial staff, projectionists, managers, and more.

This is a lightweight device that is easy to carry around, so it’s not going to interfere with your crew’s ability to do their job.

It communicates inside for 20 floors or 300,000 square feet. This is more than perfect for movie theaters of all sizes.

The Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum technology of this device, coupled with an impressive 10,000 privacy codes will protect all of your communications. The Curve comes with a 14-hour battery life per charge and an antimicrobial coating.

Request a Quote for Bulk Purchases

Need to equip your team? We want to help! 

Make sure to request a quote for our best possible pricing.

We are here for you!

If you have any questions on which radio is right for your theater – do not hesitate to reach out to our support team. 

We have a very knowledgeable staff with over 25 years of experience in the two-way radio industry that can answer all your questions.

You can’t get rid of us that easily after purchase - we include lifetime tech support to be there for you every step of the way!