Sound Supervisor Theatre Facilities

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.

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 musical 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…