Shenandoah Conservatory is a renowned visionary and collaborative arts community that educates motivated students in a supportive and inclusive environment and equips them for professional success. It offers undergraduate and graduate instruction in music, as well as undergraduate programs in theatre and dance, a master’s in performing arts leadership and management, and abundant opportunities to participate in a variety of performing groups. It is also home to Virginia’s oldest music therapy program and a top music education program, as well as an innovative voice pedagogy program with tracks in both classical and contemporary commercial music.
The Shenandoah Conservatory is looking for a highly qualified candidate to join our team in a newly created position as the Sound Supervisor for Theatre Facilities, and to serve as an adjunct faculty member for Theatre Sound Design and Reinforcement within the Theatre Design and Production program, with responsibilities during rehearsals and performances, which take place during the evening and on weekends. This is a full-time benefited position located on our main campus in Winchester, VA. This position requires a current driver's license and the ability to work at heights and stand for long periods of time.
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 Division faculty to assign designers and engineers to performances and events; mentors and supports student sound designers and engineers; supervises work study students; and teaches one Theatre Sound Design and Technology course per semester.
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 Design and Production program
- 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 divisions 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, and digital mixing consoles such as DiGiCo SD9, 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
- Provide audio support to the video capturing of Musical Theatre productions in the form of 2 track or multi-track recordings.
- As needed, install and maintain video support systems (stage shots, conductor cameras) for performances taking place in theatre facilities
- Create, implement, and enforce safe audio practices
- Serve as adjunct faculty, teaching one course per semester for Theatre Sound Design and Reinforcement, including Theatre Sound; Sound Design and Effects; and Capstone Project courses
- Serve as Academic Advisor to Theatre Design and Production (TDP) students specializing in Sound Design and Reinforcement
- Serve with TDP faculty and staff on aligned recruitment and retention activities.
- Participate in production meetings, auditions, and recruitment activities as needed
Required Skills
Skills :
- 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 design and reinforcement technology 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.
- An MFA in Theatre Sound Design and Technology, or equivalent professional experience, is required. 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. Teaching and/or academic advising experience on the college level is a plus.
- 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.
- 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 teamwork situation.
- Must be able to work with diverse personalities and constituencies.
- Must be able to handle multiple tasks, to work under deadlines, and to 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
Required Experience
How to Apply:
The complete application will include a cover letter, CV, contact information for three professional references, and a link to an online portfolio. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.
Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing ways in which they may be able to contribute to that commitment.
**Note: A pre-employment background check will be required and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire.
Shenandoah University values the unique and diverse perspectives of individuals and communities locally and globally and 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, national origin, age, physical, or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.