I thought I would comment since I am both an active ham radio operator (w8nwo is my callsign) and MURS user. First, as others have pointed out, everyone who might want to use a ham radio would have to obtain a ham license (after doing some studying and passing a test). The tests aren't too difficult, but still, you have to study for a test and pass it. You can't just
send in a form and application fee like you do with GMRS. Second, ham radio is for non-commercial use only. You can't legally use ham radio if you are being compensated for your work. Lastly, ham radio must not be used if another radio service would serve the same purpose (I forget the exact language). In other words, you can't use ham radio as a way to avoid getting business band radios. Therefore, the only application I can think of for ham radio in
theatre is if you are working with an all-volunteer crew that already possesses ham licenses and you are providing communications for some special function that wouldn't normally be served by the use of business band radios or other comms. I can't think of a situation in
theatre where that would be the case. Still, don't completely disregard the use of ham radio for public service. For instance, local bike races often request the assistance of ham operators to provide communications over a wide area of the bike course. That is a great application of ham radio for public service! I just can't think of how something like that might apply to
theatre.
Now MURS is something worth considering. As far as I know, any part 90 certified
VHF business band radio capable of being operated at 2 watts or less is legal for use with MURS. There are many older handheld radios that meet this requirement and can be obtained inexpensively. The only issue is that you usually have to have them reprogrammed by a two-way radio shop (that is more interested in selling new business-band radios to you). I have several old Motorola MT1000 2-watt handheld radios that work well for MURS. If I need to
hand someone a radio so I can communicate with them, they work great (over modest distances, of course). If I'm working with my sound crew to set up before a show and I'm all over the
stage, I can't be wired to our comms
system, so those radios work well.
Still, since anyone can use MURS, you can't be assured reliable, interference free communication. Because of that, I don't rely on MURS for critical in-show communication. I might use them during
load-in or what not, but not during a show.
Lastly, narrowbanding is not an issue for ham radio or the last two channels of MURS (154.57 and 154.6). Therefore, you can easily find old wideband
VHF radios that can be used on 154.57 and 154.6. They are often very inexpensive since they aren't useful for public
safety or business band communication anymore.
Therefore, if you need wireless two-way radio communication, your best option is probably to obtain a license to use a business-band frequency. A radio shop would be able to help you with everything you would need. However, if you understand and respect the limitations of MURS, you may find that MURS will work satisfactorily for you.
Hope that helps! Sorry for the wordiness; I wanted to give a complete answer to the best of my abilities.
