Student Sound & Audio Assistant - POOL

Center for Public Partnerships & Research; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Kansas seeks a student hourly to support the technical operations of the Department of Theatre and Dance. You will assist with venue setup, maintenance, and running crew duties during rehearsals and live events, with duties spanning setup, reset, rehearsals, and maintenance.

Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, reliable, and able to work in a dynamic, collaborative environment, handling FOH audio, equipment operation, and general department support tasks.

Qualifications

• Experience configuring and operating professional audio systems as demonstrated in application materials.
• Ability to function as the Front of House (FOH) audio engineer for departmental productions.
• Experience mixing live audio using wired and wireless microphones, line-level sources, large-format consoles (32+ inputs, 16+ outputs), and QLab playback on Mac.

Responsibilities

• Prepare performance venues according to technical and staging requirements.
• Configure lighting, sound, seating and other elements to meet artistic and safety standards.
• Attend rehearsals and live performances as part of the running crew and operate equipment for cues.
• Perform routine maintenance on theatrical systems and venue infrastructure.
• Assist with special events, inventory management, or administrative tasks.

Job description

Position Overview

This position supports the technical operations of the Department of Theatre and Dance by assisting with venue setup, maintenance, and performance execution. The role involves preparing and restoring performance spaces, maintaining theatrical systems, and serving as part of the running crew during rehearsals and live events. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, reliable, and comfortable working in a dynamic, collaborative environment. Responsibilities also include general support tasks to meet the evolving needs of the department.

Job Description

40% - Venue Setup

• Prepare performance venues according to the specific technical and staging requirements of each production.
• Configuring lighting, sound, seating, and other production elements to meet artistic and safety standards.

20% - Venue Reset

• Restore venues to their standard or "stock" configuration following performances.
• Striking equipment, resetting lighting and sound systems, and general cleanup.

20% - Rehearsal and Performance Support

• Attend rehearsals and live performances as part of the running crew.
• Operating equipment, assisting performers and production staff, and ensuring smooth execution of technical cues.

10% - Maintenance

• Perform routine maintenance on theatrical systems and venue infrastructure.
• Inspecting and servicing lighting, sound, rigging, and other technical equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation.

10% - Departmental Support

• Assisting with special events, inventory management, or administrative tasks.

Required Qualifications

• Experience configuring and operating professional audio systems, as demonstrated in application materials.
• Ability to function as the Front of House (FOH) audio engineer for departmental productions.
• Experience mixing live audio using:
  • Wired and wireless microphones
  • Line-level signal sources
  • Large-format audio consoles (32+ inputs, 16+ outputs)
  • QLab playback software and Mac platforms

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of live streaming system configuration and operation, as indicated on application materials.
• Knowledge of standard theatrical operating procedures such as configuring and operating audio system(s) as indicated on application materials.
• Ability to work at heights from ladders, lifts, and grids, as indicated in application materials.

Position Requirements

During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre‑enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments.

Employment Conditions

• Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.
• This is an hourly/non‑exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non‑exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.

Additional Candidate Instructions

• Resume/ CV
• Cover Letter addressing required/ preferred qualifications

To ensure consideration, apply before the application deadline, September 10th, 2026.

A review of applications will continue until a qualified pool of applicants has been identified. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Contact Information to Applicants

Alex Weston

[e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range

$15.00 - $20.00

Anticipated Start Date

Monday September 14, 2026