Desired Effect rents sound, lighting, costumes and more for events and parties
Started in a high school drama department, the business still supplies theaters, both amateur and professional.
Sponsored by Desired Effect
March 21, 2025, 11:00 a.m.
Desired Effect supplied sound, lighting and more for "The Prom" at Lafayette's Campolindo High School. Credit: Play Bad Fast Photography
Whether an event needs a pop-up stage and a snow-machine, or just some microphones and a spotlight, Desired Effect has got the goods. Originally launched as a supplier to school theaters, Desired Effect is now expanding on 20 years of expertise in sound, lighting, special effects and more, by providing rentals for events of all sizes — from retirement parties to corporate conferences. Desired Effect also trains customers to use their rentals and offers staffing support to ensure a seamless event.
The Pleasant Hill-based service has been supplying local theaters, including Shotgun Players and Aurora Theatre, for years. Last fall Cliff Romig from Berkeley’s Donkey and Goat Winery called Desired Effect for microphones, sound mixing and large flat-panel displays for former state Senator Nancy Skinner, speaking at the winery.
“I heard about Desired Effect from a friend who’s a composer/arranger,” Romig said. “As a singer myself, I keep track of the who’s who in the entertainment industry, and Desired Effect is one of the best.”
Anyone who has attended a conference, performance, or private event knows that keeping an audience engaged is all about connection. But connection isn’t just about a speaker’s delivery or an actor’s talent — it also depends on technical execution. Can the speeches be heard clearly? Is someone available to fix a stubborn projector? At a play, can the actors be seen from every seat?
“Sound quality is crucial to a play’s success,” said musician Eryn Allen, music director for Cabaret at Center Rep in Walnut Creek last year. “The sound team can either elevate the performance to exceptional heights, making the hard work appear effortless, or they can have the opposite effect. Desired Effect provided everything I needed for my musicians in Center Rep’s Cabaret — sound, video monitors, and individual headsets… I highly recommend the team.”
This meticulous attention to detail defines Desired Effect’s work. “At Desired Effect, we’re not just captivating audiences; we’re helping them stay engaged, with our expertise,” said founder Lyle Barrere. “That’s a powerful thing.”
The business grew out of Barrere’s experience in the early 2000s as a student at Campolindo High School in Lafayette. David Pinkham, head of the theater department, recalls how Barrere created a technical department where there was none.
“Our tech program started in a vacuum because there were no districts or schools that recognized students needed or wanted to learn about the behind-the-scenes aspects of a show,” Pinkham said. “Lyle just stepped in, using the knowledge and resources he already established and he was able to pass along the same professionalism to other students."
“My dad was a sound technician for Carlos Santana, and my mom was a public school teacher,” said Barrere. “This company blends cutting-edge technical know-how with clear, effective communication. That thoughtful approach sets us apart, making us not just a place to rent or buy equipment, but a resource for understanding how and why that equipment works.”
Even as Desired Effect continues expanding, Barrere remains dedicated to supporting school drama productions, knowing first hand how transformative those experiences can be.
“It’s inspiring to see how our company creates an environment where all our clientele — from students to professionals to politicians — can appreciate the magic we help bring to life. People need to be seen and heard, and we are the ones who make that happen.”
Desired Effect is a full-service theatrical production company, renting and selling sound and light equipment, costumes, props and much more. Your vision. Our equipment and expertise.