Sound Director - Children's Theatre Company

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is seeking qualified candidates with a background in theatre sound direction for the position of Sound Director. This is a full-time position with occasional evening and weekend hours required. This position requires someone who is knowledgeable about theatrical sound and people management, and who has the ability to positively contribute to an anti-racist/anti-biased organization. Applicants for this role should have robust communication and relationship building skills, knowledge of planning and execution of sound related elements in theatre and deep practical knowledge of multi-track recording, design of sound reinforcement systems and sound equipment troubleshooting and repair.

CTC is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and justice in our organization and our community, and thus we seek a broad spectrum of employees. We strongly encourage and welcome applicants who are Black, Indigenous or People of Color, as well as those who are from other underrepresented communities.



ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Led by Artistic Director Peter C Brosius and Managing Director Kim Motes, Children's Theatre Company (CTC) is the nation’s leading theatre for multigenerational audiences and is one of the 20 largest producing theatres in the United States. A winner of the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, CTC creates extraordinary theatre experiences that educate, challenge and inspire young people. It has set standards of excellence in the quality of its productions, commitment to new work, and innovative education and community partnerships.



DESCRIPTION OF MINNEAPOLIS AND THE TWIN CITIES METRO AREA

Minneapolis and the Twin Cities area has a thriving and vibrant arts scene. The Twin Cities metro area is one of the largest theatre markets in the country, with over 200 theatres. Minnesota year in and year out ranks near the top nationwide in federal and state arts funding and has a strong history of private arts philanthropy.

The Twin Cities area is the second largest economic center in the Midwest and is annually ranked as a top area in terms of quality of life. It is home to several restaurants and chefs who are James Beard nominees or winners. The Minneapolis park system has been called the best-designed, best-financed and best-maintained in America.



DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

CTC is dedicated to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs and in all of our hiring for staff, artists, and recruiting of board members. CTC is committed to a future where our theatre is a home for all people, all families, and is truly reflective of our community. We are also committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination. CTC prohibits discrimination in employment against any employee or job applicant because of that person’s race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local human rights commission or any other legally protected status.



POSITION SUMMARY

The Sound Director oversees and directs the production and installation of all sound related elements, within available resources, based on the designs and concepts presented by the Sound Designer. This position is also responsible for overseeing and directing all in-house sound needs.



This position reports to the Director of Production.



ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Sound Direction

• With the Artistic Director and Director of Production work as a creative problem solver in the planning and execution of all sound related elements for productions, workshops, education programs and events as needed

• Responsible for determining approaches, procedures, schedules and techniques to create the sound related elements for each production

• Implement the sound reinforcement for all CTC productions based on Sound Designer’s specification and design in-house events

• Schedule and perform regular maintenance and upgrades on all sound equipment.

• Responsible for supervising and scheduling the work of I.A.T.S.E. Board Operators, Deck Sound Technician and other over-hire crew

• Generate complete documentation for all aspects of permanent and show specific audio installations and work with crew to label all components properly

• Budget and estimate cost of labor and materials for each production

• Track and monitor current season expenses

• Engineer all recording and mix sessions to create material for playback

• Work with other production department heads and creative teams on the solution of multi-department projects for each production

• Work with the A2, Stage Management, Costumes and Actors on the proper handling and placement of all wireless microphones to insure their safe operation

• Attend all technical rehearsals and previews as needed

• Attend production and staff meetings

• Manage and oversee all rentals of CTC Recording Studio and arrange for CTC oversight for all recording sessions

• Maintain the CTC computers, including playback, recording and backup computers, servers, and show archives

• Responsible for the maintenance and safe use of all sound equipment

• Assist PR/Marketing in the promotion of CTC by creating radio spots, audio for video, and other promotional recordings and events

• With House Management, manage audio description and hearing assistance systems needs and FOH sound systems

• With Theatre Arts Training (TAT) department, maintain and support sound systems in Education spaces, hire sound interns for TAT programs and design TAT Intensive productions as needed

• Work with Director of Production on season budgeting, capital equipment planning and budgeting and other long-range planning

• With Production Management staff, support outside rental events in CTC spaces

• Regularly attend productions during the run to ensure the consistent operation and quality of sound for each performance



Collaborate with all staff in the furtherance of CTC’s goal of being an anti-racist theatre that works towards Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

• Encourage and empower everyone to speak out against racist workplace practices and policies

• Study topics that lead to a deeper understanding of how white supremacy, racial violence, and systemic racism have shaped American society and how that shapes CTC’s workplace and the lives of CTC employees

• Positively contribute to the ACT One platform, creating a future where our theatre is a home for all people, all families, reflective of our community



POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge in planning and execution of sound related elements for professional theatre

• Demonstrated skill in and knowledge of multi-track recording, design of sound reinforcement systems and sound equipment troubleshooting and repair

• Demonstrated budget management ability

• Demonstrated sound design skills preferred

• Demonstrated people management and supervisory skills



Competency Statement(s)

• Adaptability - Ability to adapt to rapid pace in a changing workplace

• Analytical Skills - Ability to use thinking and reasoning to solve a problem

• Creative - Ability to think in such a way as to produce a new concept or idea

• Collaboration - Ability to work with others and be a positive team member contributing to a positive culture

• Communication - Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and ask questions effectively with others

• Decision Making - Ability to make critical decisions while following company procedures

• Inclusive – Skill and value of providing equal access of opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized

• Leadership - Ability to influence others to perform their jobs effectively and to be responsible for making decisions

• Management Skills - Ability to organize and direct oneself and effectively supervise others

• Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task

• Patience - Ability to act calmly under stress and strain, and of not being hasty or impetuous

• Problem Solving - Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problem

• Project management skills – Ability to plan and manage workflows and personnel in a holistic and integrated fashion to ensure progress of projects, and awareness of responsibilities among staff

• Time Management - Ability to manage the available time to organize and complete work efficiently and effectively within given deadlines

• Team Building – Ability to convince a group of people to work toward a goal



Computer Skills

• Digico SD “Theatre” console programming

• Programming and troubleshooting ability with QLab sound playback software

• Digital mixing and mastering using Pro Tools

• Drafting in Vectorworks

• Windows and Mac computer networking, Microsoft Office

Other Qualities

• A commitment to ethical conduct in all respects of the work environment

• A commitment to creating a just, equitable and inclusive work environment

• A commitment to the protection of confidential information to which this position has access





COMPENSATION

The starting salary range for this full-time position is between $51,000 and $58,000 annually. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance; short-term and long-term disability and life insurance; vacation and sick leave; nine paid holidays; and a 403(b)-retirement savings plan.



TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter and resume to Andrew Robertson, Director of Human Resources at productionjobs@childrenstheatre.org. Please include the name of the position(s) to which you are applying in the subject line of the email.


Salary: Starting range $51,000 to $58,000