Sound Supervisor for Theatre Facilities

Shenandoah University•Winchester, VA

6d•$45,000 - $50,000•Onsite

About The Position

Shenandoah Conservatory at Shenandoah University is seeking a qualified Sound Supervisor for Theatre Facilities. This full-time benefited position is based on their main campus in Winchester, VA. The role reports to the Executive Director for Performances and Engagement and collaborates with Theatre Division faculty. The Sound Supervisor supports the Conservatory's operational and production needs, with a specific focus on sound reinforcement and design for the Theatre Division, Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT), and other university and rental events in the theatre facilities. Key responsibilities include managing the sound shop and inventory, serving as sound engineer and designer for select performances, assigning designers and engineers, mentoring student sound personnel, and supervising work-study students. The ideal candidate will have strong skills in audio mixing, sound reinforcement, advanced engineering, sound design, and knowledge of current sound systems and technologies. Experience in managing and mentoring labor, along with time and project management, is also important. A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Theatre Sound Design and Technology or equivalent professional experience is required. The position also requires a commitment to fostering a positive working environment and knowledge of sound safety practices. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and people/event management skills are essential for navigating diverse stakeholders in a fast-paced setting.

Requirements

Strong audio mixing, sound reinforcement/amplification and advanced engineering skills
Sound design skills
Working knowledge of current sound systems and reinforcement technologies and practices for FOH engineers, mic technicians, sound designers, and production sound crew
Management and mentorship of variously skilled labor
Time and project management skills
Significant professional experience and/or an MFA in Theatre Sound Design and Technology
Demonstrated ability to create and maintain a positive working environment
Working knowledge of sound safety practices
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Ability to manage people and events effectively, navigating various stakeholders in order to solve problems in a fast-paced work environment
Current driver license
Ability to work at heights and stand for long periods of time

Responsibilities

Oversee sound reinforcement and design for all events taking place in theatre facilities, including Theatre and Musical Theatre productions, Dance Concerts, Opera, guest artist performances, and special university events
Serve as Sound Engineer for select performances, such as Holiday Gala, mainstage musicals and guest artist performances, as determined in consultation with Executive Director of Performances and Chair of the Theatre Department
Serve as Sound Supervisor for all Shenandoah Summer Musical Theatre (SSMT) productions — assisting with the hiring, training, and supervising of seasonal sound production staff; overseeing safe and effective use of equipment and resources; troubleshooting sound issues as they arise; and assisting/advising the production and creative team as needed
Train, mentor, and supervise Student Sound Engineers and Designers, overseeing the production process and providing support and oversight during rehearsals and performances
Oversee sound reinforcement and engineering and/or assign student staff (as appropriate) to set-up, run, and strike annual university events in Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre, such as Conservatory Convocation, Admissions and recruitment events, and graduations and hooding ceremonies
Assist various departments working in theatre spaces, as needed, with setup of Sound effects (sfx) playback, board programming, microphone amplification, onstage monitors, and communication systems; mix sitz probes for Musical Theatre and Opera productions
Hire, train, and supervise Theatre Sound Work Study students; oversee student work in the Sound Shop during productions and work study hours; assign students to staff performances/events in Theatre Facilities as necessary
Train students in the programming and operations of sound hardware and software, including QLab, Wireless Workbench, SMAART, Dante network protocol and digital mixing consoles such as DiGiCo, Allen & Heath SQ5, and Midas M32 desks
Provide oversight and maintenance of the sound shop and all sound equipment inventory in the theatre facilities, including monitoring equipment, prioritizing new equipment purchases, and integrating new equipment purchases into current multimedia systems
Create, implement, and enforce safe audio practices
Participate in production meetings, auditions, and recruitment activities as needed