What purpose do microphones serve in stage productions?

Microphones play a crucial role in stage productions by capturing and converting live sound waves into an electronic signal. This process is essential for amplifying sound so that it can be heard clearly by the audience. When performers speak or sing, the sound waves produced travel through the air, and the microphone captures these waves. It then translates them into an electronic signal that can be processed by sound equipment and amplified through speakers, allowing for a richer and more immersive auditory experience for the audience.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary function of microphones in this context. Enhancing visual effects pertains more to visual elements of a production, such as lighting and set design. Regulating the power supply is related to electrical management rather than sound. Creating sound effects may involve other audio tools and techniques, but microphones themselves are not responsible for generating sound effects; they primarily serve the purpose of capture and amplification.