Supervisor, Sound PA/Emerson Stage

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The Sound Supervisor reports to the Production Manager, Performing Arts/Emerson Stage. This role will oversee all sound applications within the productions designed and produced for Emerson Stage & the Department of Performing Arts. As needed, the Sound Supervisor will serve as Audio Head or Sound Designer on productions. This position will also independently teach audio skills to students and supervise & train student designers to ensure successful production outcomes across various events & productions. This position involves close collaboration with the other production department heads and Emerson students. The Sound Supervisor will support the production department with audio needs by identifying, developing and implementing systems & workflows to maintain a safe and highly efficient operation in our fast-paced, but educational program. This is a 10-month position.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Meet the needs of each production in consultation with the Production Manager and Director of Theatre Operations as well as the other department heads

• Instruct and supervise students engaged in co-curricular production work, various class labs, or working as student employees

• Instruct and supervise all students assigned as Production Audio positions for all productions of the Emerson Stage season working as part of the sound team to order, load, hang, cable, patch, program, troubleshoot, run and strike all sound elements of a production

• Train students on industry-standard safety protocols

• Collaborate with faculty & staff to support the sound design and audio needs for productions in support of the curriculum and/or productions

• Work closely with Office of the Arts staff about uses of in-house equipment rental deliveries/pick-up and uses of theatre spaces

• Act as the expert in the field of audio/sound, overseeing students of Emerson College's department of performing arts and on the Emerson Stage productions

• Accurately execute the sound design as set by the sound designer during technical rehearsals; Replicate this design accurately and ensure consistency throughout the show's run

• Maintain accurate paperwork for each production including sound plots and cue sheets

• Program and operate computers and digital mixing consoles

• Coordinate and manage the load in and out of sound equipment for all shows and events

• Attend rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and production meetings as needed, and respond to notes given throughout the rehearsal process

• Complete pre-show checks and shut down procedures for all audio equipment, including assisted listening systems, backstage monitors, house and backstage paging systems, cue lights, headsets, video cameras and monitors

• Design basic sound cues for annual BFA Showcase, New Fest Short Works and any other productions or events as requested

• Ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety policies, codes, and regulations, including all permitting in compliance with the Boston Fire Department

• Perform other duties, as required

QUALIFICATIONS – Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to effectively perform job.

• Bachelor's degree in Sound Design and/or Production required

• 3-5 years of live audio experience required, preferably at an institution of higher learning

• Experience managing, instructing and supervising production teams required

• 2-4 years instructing students in the field or in a classroom setting required

• 2-4 years using, in a professional capacity, QLab, Dante or other relevant audio software

• OSHA30 Certification preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with the job. 

• Ability to understand, enjoy, and communicate effectively with academic-oriented individuals

• Enthusiasm for collaborating with college-aged individuals

• Experience working with artistically oriented individuals

• Knowledge of theatrical sound systems and equipment including digital mixing consoles, speakers, microphones, amplifiers, EQ and processing gear

• Strong oral and writing skills

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft and Google Suites

• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects

• Ability to prioritize goals and implement plans

• Ability to solve problems and conflict

• Strong analytical skills

• Be willing and enthusiastic to assist others and work in a team setting

• Ability to initiate and build relationships with audio vendors to support Emerson Stage
   

PHYSICAL ABILITIES – Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Work involves lifting equipment and tools

• Work is performed in a theatre environment requiring occasional on-call availability

• Must be able to handle the physical demands of setting up and striking sound equipment during production

• May occasionally work in a confined space or with heights

WORK ENVIRONMENT – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• Working in theaters, front of house and backstage, and a studio environment; conditions will vary depending on the show and phase of the production

• Working in scenic & paint shops, which may include a dusty atmosphere at times

Compensation for this position is $47,708 - $58,500 annually, commensurate with experience.

Grade of Position: S-23-07EScheduled Weekly Hours: month position paid over 10 monthsThis position will be exclusively represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 888 for purposes of wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week. 

Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.

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