Resident Sound Designer and Manager of Audio

Zach Theater•Austin, TX

6h•$60,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Resident Sound Designer & Manager of Audio acts as the resident Sound Designer and supervisor of the Audio Department at Zach, providing leadership to all full-time, part-time, and contract employees in the on-time, on-budget execution of production audio needs, serving as designer for Zach Mainstage, Family Series, and Events as well as supporting guest sound designers as directed. The Resident Sound Designer & Manager of Audio is a significant member of the Production team at Zach developing, producing, and maintaining an exceptional level of artistic and aesthetic quality in all Zach Productions. This critical role ensures the maintenance of audio equipment and inventory, coordinating with external designers, directors, musical directors, artists, and musicians in the fulfillment of production needs. As Resident Sound Designer, this role is responsible for the configuration of each venue’s sound system including the placement and designation of microphones, monitors, loudspeakers, control hardware, and production specific effects and musician support. Additionally, the Resident Sound Designer & Manager of Audio works closely with the Manager of Lighting/Video, Stage Operations Supervisor, and General Manager to support non-production use of Zach facilities and rehearsal spaces for special events, rentals, development events, and meetings.

Requirements

3+ years of experience supervising a department of technicians and overhire crews with preference in a regional or touring house under AEA contracts, and a Bachelors in Sound Engineering or comparable professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience overseeing departmental budgets, forecasts, and other budgetary requirements, primarily in a producing theater or company
Experience with Crestron Control Systems, Yamaha consoles, namely CL5, Aviom, and Shure equipment
Extensive experience in sound and audio programming and practices with a deep understanding of technical networking components and their use in sound and design in a theatrical setting
Working knowledge of MS Office and Google Suite
Understanding of Yamaha CL Series and Allen & Heath Avantis digital audio consoles, Shure wireless microphones, Aviom monitor systems, and Clear-com systems
Understanding of show control systems including MIDI and OSC
Ability to use a variety of sound and video performance software including QLAB and Pro Tools
Understanding of Crestron operation and troubleshooting
Understanding of DANTE and other networking systems
Management of expenditures within set budgets and the forecasting of expenses in relation to scope of work and design
Competency of theatrical rigging standards as it pertains to overhead rigging of audio and video equipment in counterweight, dead hang, temporary, and permanent installation environments
Extensive knowledge of musical theater as it pertains to sound design including live orchestras and bands and their instrumentation
Extensive knowledge of video systems as it pertains to orchestra video monitoring for pit conductor cameras and other closed network needs of the music department
Ability to perform all work with a direct reflection of the vision, mission, and values of Zach Theater

Responsibilities

Hires, mentors, and supervises all full-time, part-time, and overhire audio personnel for each production; providing performance feedback, mentorship and staff development, and payroll approvals
Serves as Resident Sound Designer for Zach Mainstage and Family series productions as well as special events and other projects as assigned by the Artistic Director and Director of Production each season
Collaborates with Directors, Designers, Director of Production, rental houses, and other suppliers to achieve desired designs within designated budgets
Maintains inventory and purchases of all departmental equipment
Oversees the installation and use of both wired and wireless clear-com systems
Collaborates with contributing departments to ensure department needs are met for all events
Builds, layers, and edits sound cues and music quickly in collaboration with the Director and other members of the Production Team
Sources all music and sound effects for each production
In charge of all multi-track recording required for each production and event
Responsible for tracking all audio budgets and ordering of supplies for each production
In charge of the programming of digital audio consoles and Qlab programming for all events and productions
Collaborates with the Technical Director, Manager of Lighting/Video, and Stage Operations Supervisor to solve problems that bridge departments, including hangchart development and cable paths on deck
Attend all required designer runs, technical rehearsals, previews, and production meetings until released by the Director of Production.
Assists the education department in the execution of sound designs and the hiring of sound board operators
Helps to maintain relationships with universities and other Regional companies in order to develop the audio overhire pool
Supports internal departments in the scheduling, logistics, and technical requirements of special events and rentals