Assistant Sound Engineer

The Ordway: The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is one of the leading performing arts centers in the United States and a catalyst for vibrant arts in Minnesota. Powered by hundreds of talented and dedicated staff members and volunteers, the Ordway is renowned for its multidisciplinary programming, welcoming atmosphere, and comfortable environment. The Ordway welcomes audiences of all ages and backgrounds for year-round eclectic and entertaining offerings, including Broadway musical, concerts, dance, vocal artists, and new works.

Performances take place in the 1,900-seat Music Theater and a 1,100-seat Concert Hall. The Ordway serves tens of thousands of students and families each year through its arts education and community impact programs, and is a proud member of the Arts Partnership, a collaboration comprising the Ordway, Minnesota Opera, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Schubert Club.

Position

Purpose:

The Assistant Sound Engineer is a full‑time, non-exempt position within the Production Sound Department. This role works closely with the Head Sound Engineers to support all departmental responsibilities. The position regularly interacts with clients, artists, and extra crew members and requires a positive, collaborative attitude and a strong work ethic. The primary work venue is the Ordway Music Theater.

Employment conditions, responsibilities, and wage rates are governed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Local 13 (Minneapolis/St. Paul) and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. This position is also subject to all applicable Ordway and Paychex Oasis HR personnel policies for full‑time employees, provided such policies do not conflict with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

• Posting Date: 1/8/26 - The Ordway is dedicated to building an equitable environment and strongly encourages applications from populations underrepresented in the theater field.
• Employee Type:
  Hourly, Full‑time, Union
• Pay: $43.30 per hour (as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Ordway and IATSE Local 13)
• Department:
  Production
• Reports to:
  
  Director of Production

• Technical Knowledge and Operation – working knowledge of the operation, installation, and maintenance of professional audio systems, including multi‑channel digital audio system architecture and networking, modern speaker system design, mixing consoles, computer IP networking, wireless microphone systems, and communication systems.
• Mixing and Engineering – professional ability to mix: concerts (all musical genres), musical theater (line mixing), and corporate meetings and presentations.
• Production Support – assist the Head Sound Engineers on productions, including pre‑production, production, and post‑production support.
• Client and Artist Support – provide technical support to Ordway clients, guest artists, and users as it relates to sound production. Implement and coordinate sound systems and theatrical design plots. Assist with audio recording, broadcasting, and transmission as required.
• Departmental Collaboration – work with the Head Sound Engineers to maintain accurate inventory of equipment, tools, supplies, and spare parts.

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.F.A.) preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
• Professional‑level knowledge of theatrical sound engineering and industry‑standard theatrical practices.
• Minimum five (5) years of professional theatrical sound experience preferred, including large‑scale musical theater.
• Ability to accept constructive feedback from management, sound designers, clients, and Head Sound Engineers.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with diverse teams and departments.
• Experience working with large crews and complex schedules preferred.
• Proficiency with audio and electrical test equipment.
• Ability to solder.
• Capacity to troubleshoot audio systems.
• Ability to work independently and manage responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• IATSE membership; must be willing and able to join and remain a member of Local 13.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Adherence to OSHA…