Head Sound Engineer - Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

The Ordway: The Ordway is the arts epicenter of Saint Paul, Minnesota, and one of the leading nonprofit performing arts centers in the country. Founded on the belief that performing arts should be wide-ranging and accessible to all, the Ordway is home to a variety of performances that encompass the finest in Broadway musicals, concerts, dance and vocal artists. Known as the most comfortable place to catch a show in Minnesota, the Ordway includes a magnificent 1,900-seat Music Theater, a state-of-the-art 1,100-seat Concert Hall and spacious lobbies. The Ordway aims to reflect the communities it serves and address barriers to ensure everyone can experience the power of the performing arts.



Position Purpose: The position of Head Sound Engineer is a full-time, non-exempt, position with the production department of the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. The position will collaborate with the Assistant Sound engineer and Overhire Audio department IATSE technicians. This position directly interfaces with Ordway management, other Ordway production departments, visiting company members and rental clients to provide audio support for a diverse schedule of shows and events. Candidates should have a positive and supportive attitude as well as a strong self-motivated work ethic. Primary work venue will be the Music Theater.



The basic work responsibilities, conditions of employment, and wage conditions of the Head Sound Engineer are governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local No. 13, St. Paul, Minnesota and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. The position is also governed by all Ordway and Oasis HR Deg. personnel policies for full-time employees, where such policies do not conflict with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.



Position Details:

• Posting Date: 12/9/22

• Closing Date: The Ordway is dedicated to building an equitable environment and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, transgender and non-binary candidates. This position will remain open until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates is identified. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Employee Type: Hourly, full-time, union

• Pay: Currently $40.93 per hour

• Department: Production

• Reports to: Director of Production



Key Performance Areas:

• The Head Sound Engineer supplies pre-production, production, post-production, and maintenance services to users of the facility.

• Have a working knowledge of and be responsible for the proper operation, maintenance and installation and supervision of the following: proven understanding of multi-way digital audio system architecture and networking, DiGiCo SD family of consoles specifically SD9 and SD7 Quantum, Dante Certification Level 3 (Level 1 and Level 2 preferred), wireless microphone systems specifically ULX-D and Wireless Workbench, wireless IEM systems, Q Lab, recording software, (Pro Tools, Audacity, Logic), and closed circuit video systems running under digital control.

• Proven mixing skills for Broadway scale Musical Theater, concerts (all genres of music), corporate meetings and other presentations from Front of House and Monitor positions.

• Create and maintain working inventories of equipment.

• Create and maintain accurate, verifiable system documentation (as built and currently wired).

• Work with other production department personnel when engaged non-jurisdictionally in the set-up, operations, technical production, and strike of concerts, recitals, and events.

• Supervise and delegate work responsibilities to other production personnel working within the department.

• Supply technical support and “customer service” for clients and users of the Ordway, in the production and presentation of events.

• Supply recommendations to Production Department management regarding personnel required, both in number and skills, to meet department schedules and responsibilities.



Other Qualifications:

• Must have a working knowledge of audio for the professional theatre, as well as a professional skill level, and trade "craftsmanship" associated with the ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the sound department.

• A minimum of five years working experience as a professional theatrical (ability to mix large scale musicals) sound technician/engineer is preferred.

• Experience with digital and analog mixing consoles and onstage wedge and “in-ear” monitor mixing is required.

• Must be familiar with and keep up to date with professional theatre practices and techniques, as well as equipment operation and maintenance.

• Membership in the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (I.A.T.S.E.) is highly desirable. Must be able and willing to become and remain a member of Union Local 13. Must have ability to work cooperatively with a variety of clients and serve as liaison with departments to coordinate and plan efficient work schedules.

• Experience with large staffs and complex schedules are preferred.

• Must be available to work nights and weekends, as needed.

• Must be able to use and understand various kinds of test equipment, tools, and meters such as volt, ohm, and amp meters including Rational Acoustics Smaart systems.

• Must be able to solder.

• Must have working familiarity with all other standard theatrical equipment.

• Must be able to lift to 50 pounds.

• Adhere to OSHA and standard Theatrical Safety practices.

• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office, Teams, and have general computer literacy.



The Ordway requires all employees to present proof of either full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR COVID-19 test results taken within 72 hours prior to entering our building. The Ordway is an equal opportunity employer and will consider requests for reasonable accommodation for employees and applicants based on disability or sincerely-held religious beliefs.



To Apply: For more information or to apply, visit ordway.org/employment.



Ordway is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, age, local human rights commission activity, national origin, and veteran, or disability status. The Ordway Theater and administrative office are wheelchair accessible and service animals are welcomed. All applicants who have questions or needs regarding access accommodations or interpreting assistance for job interviews are encouraged to reach out to Human Resources.



We know there are great candidates who may not fit into the criteria we’ve outlined here, or who have important skills we haven’t listed. If that’s you, please don’t hesitate to apply anyway and tell us about yourself.




Salary: $40.93