Head Audio Engineer

JACOBS PILLOW DANCE FESTIVAL INC; Becket (MA); On-site; USD 32,483 - 35,817; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Three meals a day

Free access to classes

Access to performances and talks

Job summary

JACOBS PILLOW DANCE FESTIVAL INC in Becket, MA is looking for a Head Audio Engineer for the festival. This seasonal position involves supporting artists and technicians in audio setup.

The ideal candidate will have over 3 years of experience in theatrical audio engineering, knowledge of various audio systems, and collaboration skills. The role offers additional benefits such as meals and access to classes.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional theatrical audio engineering experience.
• Knowledge of and experience with theatrical audio systems.
• Experience troubleshooting and repairing audio systems.

Responsibilities

• Participate in creating an accessible and collaborative work environment.
• Assist in installation of audio systems into performance spaces.
• Support audio activity during technical rehearsals and performances.

Skills

Theatrical audio engineering

Knowledge of audio systems

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Proactive work ethic

Tools

Google App Suite

Isadora

Qlab

Watchout

Adobe Premiere

Final Cut Pro

DaVinci Resolve

Job description

Job Details

Title: Head Audio Engineer
Location: Becket, MA 01223
Position Type: Seasonal
Salary: $23.58–$26.00 per hour; Time and a half after 48 hours
Reports To: Production Manager of assigned venue

Day‑to‑day Schedule

May: 5‑day work week
June–September: 6‑day work week
Festival dates vary by venue with load‑in on the 11th of May 2026 and departure dates depending on the theater (Ted Shawn Theatre August 30/31, Doris Duke Theatre August 28/29, Henry J. Leir Stage August 28/29).

Benefits (On‑site Only)

Three meals a day, free access to classes, performances, talks, and studio usage.

Responsibilities

• Participate in creating an accessible and collaborative work environment that enables artists and technicians to work together safely.
• Attend production meetings and advance show‑specific production meetings as needed.
• Assist in the installation of audio systems into performance spaces, studios, exhibition spaces, and temporary tents.
• Support audio activity during load‑ins, load‑outs, work calls, focus sessions, notes sessions, staging and technical rehearsals, performances, and changeovers.
• Program and operate the audio console during work calls, technical rehearsals, and performances in the absence of company lighting staff.
• Assist visiting companies’ audio staff in programming and operating the audio console.
• Assist Assistant Production Managers in planning and facilitating backstage audio needs.
• Ensure audio systems are prepared and safe for all activity by leading daily and show‑specific checks, maintenance, and set‑up.
• Lead company load‑ins, audio checks, and changeovers with the assistance of the Lighting Supervisor or Assistant Lighting Supervisor.
• Act as the primary audio point of contact for visiting companies during their campus stay.
• Communicate with Production Managers and the Audio Supervisor regarding unexpected show‑specific requirements or equipment safety concerns.
• Maintain clean and orderly audio workspaces, backstage equipment, and storage areas.
• Assist the Festival Audio Engineer in installing audio systems and equipment for non‑theater‑based programming.
• Create show‑specific paperwork and changeover plans with the support of the Audio Supervisor or Assistant Audio Supervisor.
• Provide support to the Video Documentation Team in recording programming.
• Support installation of work and equipment into exhibition spaces.
• Support the activation of weather plans for HJL and other outdoor programming.
• Participate in all organizational, departmental, and production meetings, including a weekly All‑Staff Meeting.
• Assist with coordination of emergency response for staff and patrons in the event of an emergency or extreme weather under the general direction of the DoTP.
• Complete Adult/Child CPR, First Aid, and Cultural Competence Training (provided to all seasonal staff during pre‑season).
• Assist and support other departments, including non‑production departments, as needed and assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional theatrical audio engineering experience.
• Knowledge of and experience with theatrical audio systems, equipment, and standard operating procedures.
• Knowledge and experience with Google App Suite and industry‑standard applications such as Isadora, Qlab, Watchout, Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve.
• Experience troubleshooting and repairing audio systems and equipment.
• Willingness to learn.
• Ability to work proactively, creatively, flexibly, kindly, safely, and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a performing arts educational environment.
• Knowledge and experience in dance production.
• Experience working outdoors or in non‑traditional venues.
• Understanding of and experience with spatial sound systems and equipment.
• Experience supervising and managing staff and/or equipment.
• Knowledge of the Vectorworks suite of software.
• Experience with productions that incorporate robotics, motion capture technologies, and extended reality technologies such as augmented reality or virtual reality.
• Experience driving cargo vans and box trucks.
• Valid driver’s license.

Skills & Qualities

• Active commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility.
• Excellent communication, critical thinking, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to read and interpret audio plots and paperwork, stage plans, and related technical documents.
• Demonstrated ability to conceive, strategize, manage, and prioritize between multiple projects with accuracy and attention to detail.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Work in wooded areas with exposure to native wildlife including rodents, ticks, and mosquitoes.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions, including inclement weather.
• Work 6‑day work weeks, including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends during festival weeks and non‑festival programming.
• Move equipment up to 50 lbs alone or with assistance.
• Move through and between multiple locations throughout the campus.
• Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Work at heights above 6 feet and up to 30 feet.
• Ascend and descend straight and step ladders.
• Operate push‑around or drivable person lifts, including at heights.
• Work in show conditions with theatrical and atmospheric elements including fog, haze, strobes, dim lights, and loud sounds.