Sound Supervisor for Theatre Facilities

Shenandoah University; Winchester (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Shenandoah University is seeking a Sound Supervisor for Theatre Facilities at Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, VA. This full-time position requires overseeing sound reinforcement, design for events, and managing student sound designers.

The ideal candidate will have an MFA in Theatre Sound Design or significant relevant experience, strong communication skills, and a comprehensive understanding of sound technologies.

Qualifications

• Strong audio mixing and sound reinforcement skills.
• Experience in sound design and management.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee sound design for theatre events and performances.
• Train and supervise Student Sound Engineers and Designers.
• Manage the sound shop and equipment inventory.

Skills

Audio mixing

Sound reinforcement/amplification

Sound design

Management and mentorship

Time management

Project management

Education

MFA in Theatre Sound Design and Technology

Significant professional experience

Tools

QLab

Dante protocol

DiGiCo SD9

Pro Tools

Wireless microphones

Job description

Shenandoah Conservatory at Shenandoah University is looking for a highly qualified candidate to join our team as the Sound Supervisor for Theatre Facilities. This is a full-time benefited position located on our main campus in Winchester, VA.

Reporting to Shenandoah Conservatory’s Executive Director for Performances and Engagement, and in coordination with Theatre Division faculty, the Sound Supervisor for Theatre Facilities supports the general operation and production needs of the Conservatory, with a specialized focus on the sound reinforcement and design needs of the Theatre Division, Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT), and all other university and rental events occurring in the theatre facilities.

In addition to overseeing the sound shop and inventory in the theatre facilities, this position serves as the sound engineer and designer for select performances; works in consultation with Executive Director and Theatre Department faculty to assign designers and engineers to performances and events; mentors and supports student sound designers and engineers; and supervises work study students.

An ideal candidate will possess the following skills and experience: strong audio mixing, sound reinforcement/amplification and advanced engineering; sound design; 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; and time and project management.

Significant professional experience and/or an MFA in Theatre Sound Design and Technology is required. Candidates without an MFA will be considered. Successful candidates will also have a demonstrated ability to create and maintain a positive working environment, in addition to a working knowledge of sound safety practices.

This position requires excellent communication and relationship-building skills; and an ability to manage people and events effectively, navigating various stakeholders in order to solve problems in a fast-paced work environment.

This is a full-time, 12-month staff position, with responsibilities during rehearsals and performances, which take place during the evening and on weekends. This position requires a current driver license and the 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.

Required Qualifications

• Significant professional experience and/or an MFA in Theatre Sound Design and Technology is required. Candidates without an MFA will be considered.
• A deep understanding of emergent technologies matched by a driving passion for mentorship, students, and education.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Must possess management and administrative skills as well as the maturity to supervise student workers; to efficiently schedule student staffing for the sound shop, and to effectively administer policies.
• Competence in Microsoft office or Google Suite.
• Proficiency in QLab 5, Wireless Workbench, Dante protocol, and SMAART.
• Competence in either Vectorworks or Auto‑CAD.
• Proficiency in DiGiCo SD9, Allen & Heath SQ5, and Midas M32 consoles.
• Competence in Pro Tools, with consideration toward other Digital Audio Workstations.
• Proficiency in Sennheiser wireless microphones.
• Must be able to work independently, but also enjoy contributing in a team work situation.
• Must be able to work with diverse personalities and constituencies.
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks, work under deadlines, and prioritize workload.
• Current Driver’s License.

Desired Qualifications

• Three to five years of professional experience in the entertainment industry, specifically sound reinforcement for theatre.
• A record of distinguished sound design and sound reinforcement experience at a national level, including extensive work in musical theatre.
• Performing Arts Center or roadhouse experience.
• Skill set in sound areas in addition to engineering (soldering, rigging, etc.).
• Dante Level 2.
• Support video reinforcement.

How to Apply

The complete application will include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be reviewed immediately and will continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

• Note: A pre‑employment background check will be required, and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire.
• Authorized to work in the United States is a pre‑condition of employment. At this time, Shenandoah University is not in a position to sponsor international visas.

Shenandoah University values individuals and communities' unique and diverse perspectives locally and globally. It seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic or national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.