Production Assistant - Sound

ORGANIZATION: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

CATEGORY: Arts and Culture

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:
Non-profit theatre located in downtown St. Paul.

TYPE: Full Time / 40 hours    DEADLINE: 8/28/2010

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Position Description:
The position of Assistant Sound Engineer is a full-time, non-exempt, position with the production sound department, and shall work together with the Head Sound Engineer in the accomplishment of responsibilities pertaining to the department. This position requires the crew member to directly interact with clients and Extra Crew members and requires a positive and supportive attitude as well as a strong work ethic both when working with the clients and Extra Crew members.

The work responsibilities, conditions of employment, and wage conditions of the Assistant 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 personnel policies for full-time employees, where such policies do not conflict with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Duties and Responsibilities (Essential)

1. Assist Head of Sound on productions in both the Music Theater and McKnight Theatre, providing pre-production, production and post-production services.
2. Possess a working knowledge of and be responsible for the proper operation, maintenance and installation including supervision of the following equipment categories:
a. Interface with computer-aided sound reinforcement, in house sound reinforcement equipment that includes but not limited to Digico console, active and self powered MEYER, active MARTIN AUDIO and various passive loudspeakers all with associated rigging hardware, processing, amplifiers and power distribution; variety of house and monitor mixing consoles with associated I/O hardware (EQ/Delay, Reverbs, playback sources etc.); variety of microphones used for reinforcement and recording including SHURE wireless systems.
b. In house production support systems that include Multi channel CLEARCOM intercom systems; closed circuit TV systems with associated cameras, monitors and distribution amplifiers; SENNHEISER infrared hearing impaired/translation systems; page and program 70 volt system; multi conductor cabling system with multiple patch bays and microphone splitter.
c. Touring and portable sound reinforcement/monitor and recording equipment that is brought into the facility. Comparable to the items listed in sections 2a. and 2b. this frequently includes large multi channel wireless microphone systems.
3. Assist other production department personnel when engaged non-jurisdictionally in the set-up, operations, technical production, and strike of concerts, recitals, and events.
4. Supervise and delegate work responsibilities to other production personnel working within the department, either with or in place of Head Sound Engineer.
5. Provide technical support for clients and users of the Ordway, as well as artists engaged by the, in the production and presentation of events as it pertains to the sound department. Such support would include the interpretation and coordination of sound design plots and concepts; the engineering and supervision of concerts, presentations, and theatrical productions; the determination, layout, and coordination of sound system specifications; the supervision and coordination of electronic shop work; the engineering assistance and coordination of audio broadcasting, recording, and transmission; and other necessary and/or appropriate areas of support.

Sound Assistant – Page 2

6. Work with Head Sound Engineer to accomplish the following:
• Analyze and implement improvements on department related systems for efficiency, operations effectiveness and safety.
• Provide input pertaining to equipment purchases, rentals, repairs and upgrades.
• Assist with maintaining inventory of department related spare parts, tools and supplies.
• Provide recommendations to Production Department management regarding personnel required, both in number and skills, to meet department schedules and responsibilities.
7. Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required and/or assigned.

Education:
High School diploma required. College degree preferred (B.A. or B.F.A.) or equivalent experience.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
General Knowledge/Skills/Ability/Experience:
• Must possess a working knowledge of sound work for the professional theatre, as well as a professional skill level, and trade

HOW TO APPLY:
TO APPLY:
Submit cover letter and resume with 3 professional references to Human Resources, 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102, or stop by the “Stage Door” on 5th Street to apply in person; or fax info to: 651-224-1820, or email: jobs@ordway.org Job Line: 651-282-3110. Women, people of color, and people with disabilities encouraged to apply. Web Page: