Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Sound Supervisor
Sound Supervisor
DEPARTMENT: Production
POSITION: Sound Supervisor
REPORTS TO: Director of Production
JOB TYPE: Full Time, Exempt
START DATE: Winter 2021/22
SALARY RANGE: $55k - $70k
BENEFITS:
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Health, Dental, and Life Insurance options
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Flexible Spending Account
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Paid leave time
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2 weeks vacation
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9 sick days
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3 personal days
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Complimentary ticket package
Position Summary
The Sound Supervisor leads all activities of the Chicago Shakespeare Theater Sound Department for CST productions, educational and outreach programs, special events, and World Stage productions presented in any of the three Chicago Shakespeare venues. Working closely with the Director of Production and fellow Production Department Heads, the Sound Supervisor is responsible for season-long and project-specific planning and execution of all activities related to the Sound Department including attending design and production meetings, leading conversations with designers, hiring and supervision of sound technicians, and tracking of schedules and expenses. In addition to these duties, this position is responsible for managing the installation and upkeep of sound systems in all CST venues, including the design and tuning of basic installs.
Primary Responsibilities
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Collaborate with designers to achieve the design for each production.
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Provide guidance for optimal utilization of CST venues and equipment.
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Oversee maintenance and upgrades to all sound department systems and equipment.
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Maintain an organized inventory of all sound department equipment across all CST spaces and projects.
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Hire, train, and manage over-hire sound labor.
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Effectively delegate responsibilities to staff and over-hire labor as appropriate.
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Operate within established seasonal and project specific budgets.
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Create and manage sound department schedules.
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Coordinate sound department needs with those of other production departments.
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Maintain a thorough understanding of industry trends and best practices.
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Build wireless racks as needed for CST productions.
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Manage Clear-Com infrastructure.
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Trouble-shoot and prioritize notes during, before, and following tech rehearsals and previews.
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Prepare paperwork for load-ins.
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Contact vendors for rental or purchase quotes for project specific equipment.
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Along with fellow supervisors, this position takes a leadership role in the development and implementation of the Production Department’s IDEA Objectives. Chicago Shakespeare Theater is committed to creating a diverse and accessible work environment through our Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) initiatives. For more information on these objectives, please visit www.chicagoshakes.com/about_us/idea.
Secondary Responsibilities
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Maintain QLab systems for rehearsals and performance.
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Record musicians and actors as needed for productions.
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Design and tune basic sound systems for venues.
Staff Supervisory/Management Responsibilities
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This position supervises one full-time IA staff member and between 1 and 4 over-hire employees.
Financial Responsibilities
This position has responsibilities that will regularly involve purchasing, budgeting, and the tracking of expenses.
Duties will include but are not limited to:
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Accurately keep records of all purchases and returns.
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Clearly track of expenses across budgetary lines.
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Maintain a petty cash fund.
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Successfully adhere to established budgets.
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Complete and submit all financial paperwork including credit card logs, receipts, invoices, and petty cash logs.
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Work with the Production Office and the Finance Office to resolve any financial issues as necessary.
Interaction with Patrons and Public
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This position has responsibilities that are occasionally in proximity to the public or will do work that can be observed by the public.
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Direct interaction with the public is unlikely but is possible.
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Correspondence with the public via email or by phone is possible.
Physical Demands
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Perform a variety of physical tasks including but not limited to climbing, stooping, pushing, bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting, and pulling.
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Work at height in locations including but not limited to catwalks, grids, ladders, and genies.
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Perform a variety of physical tasks while wearing safety equipment including but not limited to harness, hardhat, and safety glasses.
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Assist in the pushing, pulling, lifting, or moving of objects up to 50 lbs.
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Use of manual dexterity in the operation of tools, computers, and equipment.
Working Conditions and Environment
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Work hours are primarily daytime, Monday through Friday, but will be variable depending on the phase of the project.
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Evening, weekend, and holiday hours will be necessary at times.
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Some work weeks will exceed 40 hours.
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Position will primarily function at the CST facilities on Navy Pier in Chicago, IL but will at times work in other locations such as warehouses and city parks.
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Working in a variety of environments including but not limited to construction shops, stages, trap rooms, catwalks and grids, warehouses, exposed loading docks, and outdoors.
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Work environment may be dirty, noisy, in low-light, or in a tight and cramped space.
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Will be exposed, at times, to potentially hazardous materials and equipment.
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Will regularly be required to wear PPE during work activities.
Qualifications
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Minimum of 4 years of professional sound experience preferably in a regional theater environment.
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Some supervisory or management experience.
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Proficient knowledge of Yamaha CL series consoles.
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Understanding of both console setup as well as best practices in operation for straight plays and musicals.
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Comprehensive understanding of:
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Yamaha DME infrastructure
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Dante I/O protocols
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Aviom monitoring systems
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Clear-Com systems
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Shure wireless equipment and Wireless Workbench frequency coordination
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QLab
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KVM infrastructure
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QSys experience preferred
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Healthy knowledge of electrical theory and safe working practices, especially with wiring and soldering projects.
Preferred Skills
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Understanding of MIDI, SMPTE, and other interfaces for show control and communication between LX, sound, and projections.
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Ability to read and navigate CAD drawings of theater, as well as design elements.
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Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
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Strong Interpersonal communication skills and organizational skills.
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Literate in use of Microsoft Office suite